Lights on Afterschool
About Lights On Afterschool
Learn about the annual celebration.
Celebrate the 26th Annual Lights On Afterschool on October 23, 2025 to shine a light on the innovative ways afterschool programs support the well-being of young people. Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool is the only national rally for afterschool programs, which keep kids safe and healthy, inspire them to learn, and give working parents peace of mind.
Are you looking for ideas and resources to celebrate Lights On Afterschool in your program or community? Check out the Planning Guide from afterschoolalliance.org.
“From building connections to peers and mentors, to serving healthy snacks and meals, to helping young people handle anxiety, to inspiring students to move and get fit, afterschool programs across the country are providing essential support for students’ physical and mental health,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant.
2025 Poster Contest
Join the fun and enter the poster contest!
For 2025, the Afterschool Alliance is looking for any artwork that represents the spirit of afterschool programs. Think about how your program has opened doors to new opportunities, whether it’s discovering something you love, learning new skills, or making friends. Show us how your afterschool staff have inspired, mentored, or supported you. Let us know what afterschool means to you through your art!
Enter by Monday, July 16! Click here.
The winning artwork will be printed on more than 50,000 posters displayed at over 8,000 Lights On Afterschool events worldwide. It’s a great opportunity for a program to gain national recognition. The winning artist will be featured on our website, blog, and in a national press release—and their program will be credited on the poster and receive a $500 grand prize.
Governor’s Proclamation 2024
Governor Gordon proclaimed Lights On Afterschool Day in Wyoming.
Governor Mark Gordon has officially declared Thursday, October 24 as Lights On Afterschool Day in Wyoming, recognizing the vital role out-of-school time programs play for youth and families in the Equality State. Download a copy of the proclamation. Click here.
In his proclamation, Governor Gordon highlights the value of afterschool programs, stating, “Afterschool programs provide critical support for children and youth, offering them new experiences and opportunities, along with hands-on learning that helps them learn and grow. Youth who attend afterschool programs go to school more often, perform better academically, and gain essential life and work skills.” He further notes, “Wyoming is committed to providing expanded learning opportunities that help our children learn, grow, and develop the skills essential for success in life and work.”
Michelle Sullivan, Director of the Wyoming Afterschool Alliance, underscores the impact of these programs: “Afterschool and summer learning programs connect schools, families, and communities to expand learning opportunities for all young people.”
Afterschool and summer programs in Wyoming engage students in activities that spark their interest in learning, from coding and circuitry to putting on plays and growing gardens. Teachers notice the difference, saying students in afterschool programs are more engaged, behave better, and are more likely to complete homework. Research over the years shows that regular participation in quality afterschool programs helps students:
- Develop strong work habits, make better decisions, and build social skills
- Attend school more often and improve behavior
- Make progress in reading and math, earn higher grades, and increase their chances of graduating
Michelle stated, “At the Alliance, we celebrate programs that offer high-quality resources that support working families, help kids thrive in school, build workforce skills, and steer clear of risky behaviors.”
Join the fun! If you’re not already part of a Lights On Afterschool event, consider participating in the Light Bulb Challenge! And be sure to share on social media using #LightsOnAfterschool.
Mission: We bridge the gap between Wyoming’s out-of-school programs and the communities they uplift, fueling them with resources, support and opportunities that inspire lifelong learning, growth and connection.
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