The Stars of Lights On Afterschool 2025

From coast to coast, youth, families, professionals, and fans of afterschool turned out in spades for Lights On Afterschool. Despite–and maybe in the face of–much uncertainty around federal funding and policies, plus a government shutdown, the country shined bright for the 26th annual rally for afterschool programs. 

Why?  Because afterschool programs don’t just work–they’re hitting it out of the park. New America After 3PM data shows parent satisfaction with programs has hit 95%. Among parents with kids in afterschool, 4 in 5 say programs help them keep their jobs, and 92% say they’re less stressed. Programs help children stay safe, build life and work skills, reduce screen time, and get excited about learning. The bad news is that, among all the families who want afterschool programs, 3 in 4 children don’t have one. Parents know there’s a problem, and 9 in 10 say we need more public funding for afterschool. 

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With 8,000 events, #LightsOnAfterschool messages across social media reaching 7.6 million people, and 2,000+ messages to Congress, the nation’s 2025 rally shined a spotlight on the need for more afterschool resources. Take a bow, stars of Lights On Afterschool 2025: 

YOU: To celebrate the field’s incredible advocacy this summer in raising your voices and WIN  the release of $1.3B in funding for local programs this summer, we posted a recap of your success story. Take 2 minutes, turn on your audio, and enjoy! 

USHER: Afterschool champion and superstar USHER, Honorary Chair of Lights On Afterschool, shared why programs are so powerful in a special video message. USHER’s own afterschool experience sparked his career path, and inspired his vision for social entrepreneurship and the afterschool program Usher’s New Look.

YOUTH: From getting their hands dirty at a farm to glow-in-the-dark geometry, programs and youth celebrated what’s so special about afterschool. Youth voice was in action at Kama’aina kids in Hawaii, where the next generation of fierce afterschool advocates also happen to be some of the cutest we’ve seen, and in Texas 2024 Lights On Afterschool poster artist Sophia Prieto posted a call for afterschool for all. 

FRIENDS: Dozens of partners contributed their resources to celebrate afterschool. Clear Channel Outdoor ran “Reaching Potential: This is Afterschool” PSAs on billboards and bus shelters, in airports, and across two giant screens in Times Square. Our own STEM Hub reps united on Capitol Hill to advocate for afterschool STEM, and STEM Next curated free resources to inspire young explorers. 

LIGHTS: State afterschool networks and advocates secured proclamations from Governors and mayors, and lightings all across the nation, from New York’s Niagara Falls to Caesars Superdome in Louisiana. 

Wrap up Lights On Afterschool with a reminder to Congress about the value of afterschool!  Post a photo of your program and tag and thank your representatives in Congress for supporting afterschool. Or, send a packet of artwork or notes from youth and/or families to the local office of your representative. 

Save the Date for Lights On Afterschool 2026: October 22, 2026