Helena joins communities across the nation today celebrating "Lights on Afterschool," a project dedicated to ensuring that all American children have access to after-school programs by 2010.

Researchers say that 14.3 million children are home alone and unsupervised after school (including 40,000 kindergarteners), and missing out on many opportunities to take part in after-school activities.

"Lights on Afterschool" is a national event calling attention to the importance of after-school programs and the resources required to keep the lights on and the doors open for children coming home from school.

The organization HOST (Helena Area Out-of School Time) represents out-of-school time programs that provide a safe environment for school-age children during those "critical hours" between 3 and 6 p.m. The group has been meeting for the past few months hoping to help the community gain awareness about the important of after-school programs.

After-school programs save taxpayers money by reducing crime and drug use while providing activities that help prevent diabetes and obesity, said Sandi Smith, education program representative with the 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

According to the Afterschool Alliance, the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. are peak hours for juvenile crime and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and sex. It also says only 11 percent of children K-12 participate in after-school programs. The alliance notes more than half of American voters think there are enough after school programs for children today.

"The quality after-school programs found in the Helena area increase engagement in learning, increase educational equity, and build the key skills necessary for success in today's economy," Smith said. "These after-school programs provide peace of mind to working parents because they know their children are safe and actively engaged in learning and recreational activities. These same programs make employees more productive since they do not have to worry about their children after school, thus saving businesses money and time."

"Lights on Afterschool" was launched in October of 2000 and has grown to be celebrated this year by more than a million Americans.

To find out more about after-school programs in Montana, log onto the Montana Afterschool Network at www.mtafterschool.org.