Happy Lights On Afterschool 2021!

Happy Lights On Afterschool! Today is the big day, and the nation is lighting up landmarks, throwing celebrations, and coming together to shine a light on afterschool programs and staff. We want to say thank you to the afterschool field for celebrating 22 years of Lights On Afterschool and helping us shine a light on the afterschool programs that help young people thrive. Dozens of governors have proclaimed October 28 “Lights On Afterschool Day,” and more than 5,000 celebrations nationwide are taking place.

We celebrate Lights On Afterschool to recognize afterschool programs and the tremendous value they provide, and to rally for more afterschool resources. Afterschool programs have innovated to serve communities as the pandemic persisted, expanding their hours and services to keep young people connected during periods of isolation, provide high-quality virtual and in-person learning experiences, address food insecurity, and help with remote learning. Afterschool staff have been playing a critical role supporting youth throughout the pandemic, serving as role models, mentors, and heroes.

In honor of their work, the Empire State Building, along with other landmarks nationwide, is lighting up in blue and yellow for Lights On Afterschool for the 15th year in a row. Landmarks shining from coast to coast include: Memphis-Arkansas bridge, Tennessee; Caesars Superdome, Louisiana; Charleston, West Virginia Coliseum and Convention Center; and many more. Messages in support of afterschool programs are illuminating digital billboards, bus shelters, and even Times Square, thanks to Clear Channel Outdoor, which donated space to help the nation celebrate afterschool programs.

Programs are shining a light on afterschool with celebrations all over the country, from a light bulb decorating contest held by YMCA of Florida’s First Coast to a Lights, Flight, and Fright; Harry Potter escape room held by Greenville ISD’s ACE program. Lights On activities are highlighting literacy, STEM, physical activity, and more with thousands of creative events. The Boys & Girls Club of Watertown is making STEM the focus of their celebration with STEM stations for youth to explore physics, anatomy, and outer space! Crooked Oak STREAM in Oklahoma is hosting a fall festival with outdoor activities including a sack race and Zumba class for adults. Afterschool programs have been at the forefront of youth recovery from the pandemic, and despite the challenges of the past year, have risen to the moment to allow youth to explore interests, learn critical skills, and be kids. Tonight’s celebrations are only a microcosm of the high-quality and engaging activities that programs provide every day.

Tonight, we celebrate with our centerpiece event, a virtual Youth Town Hall, featuring U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and youth from programs across the country as they speak about their afterschool experiences, reflections on the past year, and their hopes for the future.

Lights On Afterschool doesn’t end there! On November 8, NASA will celebrate with a Q&A with NASA Deputy Administrator and Astronaut Pam Melroy. Melroy is second in command at NASA and one of only two women to command a space shuttle. As an astronaut, Melroy logged more than 38 days in space as part of missions to build the International Space Station. Students, programs, and families are encouraged to join this exciting and STEM-filled finale and send in their questions for Melroy about her career and space explorations.

Show your support for afterschool today by taking the #LightbulbChallenge or writing a note of appreciation to the afterschool programs and staff that have made a difference in your life. After a year of unexpected challenges and uncertainty, afterschool programs need your support to keep forging successful futures for our youth and playing an integral role in the communities they serve. Happy Lights On Afterschool 2021!