The City Commission proclaimed Oct. 23 “Lights On After School” and recognized staff of the Austin Hepburn Center for the city’s after‑school tutoring and enrichment programs.

City staff said the after‑school program served 330 students last fiscal year and noted a waiting list; during the presentation, staff described the program as an essential support to working families, helping with academic recovery, attendance and social supports.

Director remarks and the proclamation highlighted in‑program supports such as free breakfast, a “Health & Wellness” session with certified instructors and planned partnerships with the South Florida Aging Institute for technology workshops aimed at seniors who help with intergenerational activities. During the meeting Hepburn Center staff and teachers introduced themselves; several staffers said they were program graduates and described the center as a family‑like environment.

The mayor said the program’s staff “pour into the children” and thanked them for supporting families through tutoring, wraparound services and holiday assistance.

Why it matters: After‑school programs provide supervised learning and enrichment outside school hours and can reduce learning loss, improve attendance and support working families; the city noted the program’s waiting list and ongoing demand.

Ending: City leadership presented the proclamation and public recognition; staff said the program will continue outreach and indicated one child’s family received immediate support from the center the same day.