Pawtucket, RI - In recognition of his work to promote afterschool programs and increase educational opportunities for young people, the Rhode Island Afterschool Plus Alliance and the Lights On Planning Committee today presented U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) with the 2006 Lights on Afterschool Champion award at the 7th Annual Lights on Afterschool Event in Pawtucket. Reed, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, was given the award in recognition of his support of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) and his membership on the Senate Afterschool Caucus.High quality afterschool activities have a significant impact on our young people, both academically and in their personal growth. These programs help to keep kids safe and provide them with opportunities that they otherwise may not have, stated Reed. I have been pleased to support afterschool initiatives in Rhode Island and across the nation, and I will continue to do so to ensure that more children and their families are able to participate.Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide celebration of afterschool programs that highlights the critical importance of high quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, their families, and communities. The program was launched in October of 2000 with celebrations in more than 1,200 communities nationwide. This year, more than 1 million Americans are expected to celebrate the program in over 7,000 communities.According to the Afterschool Alliance, there are currently 6.5 million children enrolled in afterschool programs nationwide, including more than 33,000 in Rhode Island. In addition to his strong support for the 21st CCLC, the only federal program dedicated solely to funding for afterschool initiatives, Senator Reed also cosponsored a resolution, which was signed into law last month, supporting the goals and ideals of Lights On Afterschool. Rhode Island-based Textron, Inc. was also presented with an award at the event for its work to support numerous afterschool programs in the state.