When the final bell rings at schools across our state, a crucial part of education is just beginning. Athletics and fine arts programs don’t just fill after-school hours – they transform lives, build character, and often provide the spark that keeps students engaged in their education.
Yet these vital programs are increasingly vulnerable to budget cuts, leaving countless students without access to activities that could help them discover their talents and passions. This is where Under the Lights Foundation steps in, with a mission to ensure every student has the chance to find their spotlight.
The Power of Participation
The research is clear: students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better academically, have higher attendance rates, and develop crucial life skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience. For many students, these programs provide the motivation to come to school each day and a sense of belonging within their community.
When Jefferson High School’s theater program faced elimination due to budget constraints, we saw more than just a canceled spring musical – we saw dozens of students losing their creative outlet, their community, and for some, their primary connection to school. Our funding didn’t just save a program; it preserved a lifeline for students who found their voice on stage.
Breaking Down Barriers
Extracurricular participation shouldn’t depend on a family’s financial situation or a school’s zip code. Yet in too many communities, that’s exactly what happens. When we funded new uniforms and equipment for the Riverside basketball program, we weren’t just providing gear – we were removing obstacles that prevented talented young athletes from participating.
Coach Martinez told us afterward, “Before the funding, we had kids sharing worn-out shoes and taking turns using the limited equipment we had. Now, everyone can participate fully, and the pride they take in representing their school is incredible.”
Creating Lasting Impact
Our commitment goes beyond one-time donations. We build sustainable programs that continue to benefit students for years to come. When we funded instruments for Westside Middle School’s music program, we included a maintenance plan and ongoing instruction that ensured those instruments would serve multiple generations of students.
Six years later, the program has tripled in size, and several alumni have received college scholarships for music – opportunities that simply wouldn’t have existed without that initial investment.
Beyond the Field and Stage
While our funding focuses on athletics and fine arts programs, the benefits extend far beyond. We’ve seen grades improve, attendance rise, and discipline problems decrease in schools where we’ve established programs. As Principal Washington from Lincoln Elementary told us, “Since starting the after-school arts program, our school culture has completely transformed. Students have a sense of purpose and pride that carries over into everything they do.”
The leadership skills developed on the field, the confidence built on stage, the discipline learned in band practice – these translate directly to success in the classroom and in life.
Join Our Mission
Every child deserves the chance to discover what makes them special – what makes them light up from within. Whether it’s the quiet student who finds her voice through theater, the struggling reader who excels on the basketball court, or the new kid who finds acceptance in the band room, extracurricular programs provide pathways to success that traditional academics alone cannot offer.
We believe these opportunities should be available to all students, regardless of their circumstances. With your support, we can continue to fund programs that change lives, one spotlight at a time.
The next generation is waiting in the wings. Help us make sure they all get their moment to shine.
To learn more about our extracurricular funding programs or to apply for funding for your school, visit underthelights.org/apply or reach out to contact@underthelights.org for more info.