(StatePoint) A large, powerful body of evidence demonstrates improvements in grades, school attendance and behavior among children who participate in afterschool programs.

Researchers have also found that students in afterschool programs are more engaged in school and excited about learning, and they develop work and life skills such as problem solving, teamwork and communications.

That's why a million people in every corner of the country - including students, families, community and business leaders - are joining together this fall for Lights On Afterschool, an annual rally for the afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, provide alternatives to screen time, and give working families peace of mind that their children are supervised and learning after the school day ends.