Lights on Afterschool

How has afterschool opened the doors to new opportunities?

The 2024 Lights On Afterschool poster contest is open! This year the Afterschool Alliance is looking for any artwork that represents the spirit of afterschool programs. Does your program has pre-made artwork celebrating afterschool? Send it in! This includes murals, paintings, graphics on social media, and anything else that celebrates afterschool. The artwork does not have to be created specifically for the Lights On Afterschool Poster Contest, but it must represent afterschool.

Be creative! Think of the many ways your program has opened the doors to new opportunities for you and your friends. The deadline is Monday, July 15, 2024. Learn more at afterschoolalliance.org.

As always, the winning artwork will be printed on more than 50,000 posters that will be displayed at more than 8,000 Lights On Afterschool events around the world. The winning artist will be featured on the Afterschool Alliance website, blog, and a national press release. The afterschool program will be credited on the poster in addition to receiving the grand prize of $500!

Celebrate the 25th Annual Lights On Afterschool in October 2024.

The 24th Annual Lights On Afterschool Celebration was held on October 26, 2023 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.

“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.

Make plans to celebrate the 25th Annual Lights on Afterschool in October 2024!

Governor Gordon proclaimed Lights On Afterschool Day in Wyoming.

Governor Mark Gordon proclaimed Thursday, October 26, 2023 as Lights On Afterschool Day in Wyoming to illuminate the importance of quality out of school time programs in the lives of children, families and communities. 

The Governor’s proclamation emphasizes the state’s commitment to programs that accomplish four key activities. Afterschool programs provide engaging learning experiences that help children realize their full potential. They support working families by ensuring their children are safe and productive when they are out of their classrooms. They build stronger communities by involving students, parents, business leaders and adult volunteers in the lives of young people, thereby promoting positive relationships among youth, families, and adults. They also engage families, schools, and community partners in advancing the welfare of our children. 

“The Wyoming Afterschool Alliance is grateful to Governor Gordon for proclaiming Lights On Afterschool Day in Wyoming,” stated WYAA Director Michelle Sullivan. She continued, “Together we’re setting the course to assure that all Wyoming youth have access to high-quality opportunities to deepen their interests, strengthen their skills and cultivate connections of belonging. 

Sullivan noted that out of school time experiences are critical components of “Wyoming’s Future of Learning,” the collaboration between Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, Superintendent of Public Education Megan Degenfelder, the Wyoming Department of Education, the Wyoming State Board of Education, and the University of Wyoming College of Education.  “Learning happens everywhere. The Alliance is committed to cultivating connections across communities that assure Wyoming’s youth can access a range of high quality opportunities that extend and enrich their learning.”

Find youth serving organizations and other content-specific resources across Wyoming using WYAA’s interactive afterschool map: wyafterschoolalliance.org/interactive-map.

Above: The WYO PLAY Acting Out Afterschool Club at Meadowlark Elementary helped us celebrate Governor Gordon’s proclamation in 2023. The WYO PLAY Acting Out program is a collaboration between Sheridan County School District 2 and the WYO Performing Arts and Education Center.