Fight Crime: Invest in Kids will convene a discussion of law enforcement leaders, program providers, and state lawmakers to release a new research brief that highlights the pressing need for greater investments in afterschool & out-of-school time (OST) programming in order to keep Oklahoma kids out of trouble and to set them up for success
Afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programming is an essential resource for school-aged youth in Oklahoma. These programs can encourage safety, foster connections, prevent juvenile crime, and improve academic performance to set kids on track to successful and fulfilling lives. An upcoming discussion and presentation on August 13th at 11:00 am Central, hosted by Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, will explore the findings of our new research brief: Afterschool: A Solution to the Prime Time for Juvenile Crime in Oklahoma. The brief looks at crime data showing that juvenile crime peaks between the hours of 2 and 6 pm, a time during which kids could be participating in afterschool programming. However, many would-be participants are left out of these programs due to lack of space.
This panel discussion will take place via a Zoom event and feature Chief of Police Wade Gourley and Deputy Chief of Police Paco Balderrama of the Oklahoma City Police Department. They will speak with Director of the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League Peter Evans about their dedication to afterschool. They will be joined by state policymakers, State Rep. Monroe Nichols (District 72) and State Rep. Mark Lawson (District 30) to talk about the success of these programs and the case for greater investment.
The panelists will discuss how different parts of the community are working together in Oklahoma to strengthen and increase access to these programs. Additionally, the current COVID-19 public health crisis has highlighted the essential role that out-of-school programming can play as part of a successful recovery. These programs serve to positively engage young people, with connections to community and adults, to keep them safe and build their academic, social, and emotional skills. In the aftermath of COVID-19 and school closures across the nation, many children have lost access to these crucial programs. The event will shine an important light on the need and benefit for quality afterschool and its impact on young people.
A full list of particulars of the event follows below.
WHO:
Chief of Police Wade Gourley, Oklahoma City Police Department
Deputy Police Chief Paco Balderrama, Oklahoma City Police Department
Director Peter Evans, Oklahoma City Police Athletic League
State Representative Monroe Nichols, District 72 & Network Director, Oklahoma Partnership for Expanded Learning
State Representative Mark Lawson, District 30
WHAT: Release of our new report and discussion between Oklahoma City law enforcement leaders, the Director of the Police Athletic League and state lawmakers to discuss the benefits of afterschool programs, particularly through the lens of public safety, and the crucial role they can play in setting kids up for success.
WHEN: August 13 at 11:00 AM CST
WHERE: Virtual event – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Get Local News!
