Afterschool shines for the 12th year in a row

It’s that time in August when students’ backpacks wait eagerly by the door for the first days they’ll be put back into use after a couple-months hiatus. While these days on the calendar excitedly mark the return of the back-to-school season, they’re also an indicator that Lights On Afterschool is only two months away!

What better way to welcome back the exciting buzz of Lights On Afterschool planning season than with the announcement that, for the 12th year in a row, the Empire State Building will light up the night sky as a beacon of support for afterschool program nationwide! This continues to be a highlight (both literally and figuratively) of our annual Lights On Afterschool celebrations, as such a revered landmark recognized the world over shines with the Lights On Afterschool, celebrating the afterschool programs the nation over and the communities they help to thrive.

Now is also the time to start considering some exciting Lights On plans of your own! Begin by inviting local policymakers and other special guest speakers. These dignitaries' busy schedules fill up quickly, so the earlier you reach out to them, the better. You can also set a budget for your event and reach out to potential sponsors. Lights On events don't need to be elaborate and costly, but they can be a good opportunity to build relationships with sponsors.

Planning a Lights On Afterschool event can seem daunting at first, but not if you start early and take advantage of all the resources we’ve developed for you—and we hope you’re as excited as we are for the 19^th edition of afterschool’s biggest party!