Celebrate Lights On and Email Your State Legislators

It’s time to celebrate afterschool programs! This year, Lights On Afterschool (LOA) is taking place on October 23, 2025. Afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things and discover new skills.

This year is the 26th Annual Lights On Afterschool! Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool, hosted by the Afterschool Alliance, is the only national celebration of afterschool programs. During this time, afterschool programs are celebrated for the impact they have on youth, families, and communities! This event provides an opportunity for afterschool programs to receive the recognition they need and send a powerful message that millions of kids require quality afterschool programs.

Lights On Afterschool is designed to celebrate afterschool programs and providers, highlighting the essential role afterschool plays in the lives of youth, families, and communities. This makes LOA a great opportunity for community building, celebration, and advocacy.

Contact your state elected officials today to share the importance of afterschool programs and urge them to make afterschool a priority this year!