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How the lights shined for afterschool in 2021

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How the lights shined for afterschool in 2021

Creative. Resilient. Dedicated. Innovative.

The afterschool field showed its true colors throughout this pandemic, and those traits were celebrated and shone bright this Lights On Afterschool. Here’s a recap of just some of the ways our field, and our nation, recognized the afterschool programs that are helping our young people forge bright futures.

  1. Programs celebrated at 5,000+ celebrations across the country, from pumpkin volcanos to virtual dance challenges to galactic STEM challenges. Read about events around the country, from STEM and art-themed celebrations, to a sampling of events from every state in the nation
  2. Your messages on social on media rallying for afterschool reached 512,000 people.
  3. Landmarks and buildings around the country lit up for afterschool, from Hawaii to Massachusetts and from Texas to South Dakota, shined bright for afterschool. The Empire State Building lit up the New York City skyline for the 15th year in a row! There were skyscrapers, bridges, fountains, memorials, stadiums, state houses, and more.  
  4. Policymakers showed their respect. Nationwide, 44 governors proclaimed October 28, 2021 Lights On Afterschool Day, and the U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona delivered a special message. City leaders, state legislators, governors, members of Congress and their staff participated.  
  5. 2,000+ billboards and bus shelter signs in 20+ markets displayed messages about afterschool programs, thanks to our partnership with Clear Channel Outdoor, the National League of Cities and the National Summer Learning.
  6. Virtual events allowed many who could not go to events take part, and included a Youth Town Hall; a special viewing of the afterschool documentary, River City Drumbeat; and a youth arts showcase from Mizzen by Mott.

And Lights On Afterschool isn’t over quite yet. Students and programs are invited to submit questions for a special Q&A with NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. ET. We’ve also got a webinar coming up on how to build youth-led activities. 

Thank you for everything you do to support our nation's kids and families!

It's our honor to work in service and support of all afterschool and summer programming.

Celebrating Lights On Afterschool with SHADES of Development in Knoxville, Tennessee

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By Annia Quiroz, Integrated Marketing Manager at National 4-H Council. Looking for a great way to engage kids in STEM during this year’s Lights On Afterschool? The National 4-H Council's 2024 4-H STEM Challenge, Food for Thought, might be the kit for you and your participants. STEM...

BY: Guest Blogger      09/27/24

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BY: Guest Blogger      09/18/24

The 2024 Lights On Afterschool Poster Contest is open!

The Lights On Afterschool poster contest is officially open, and this year we’re looking for any artwork that represents the spirit of afterschool programs. To make things even more exciting, we’re looking to gather new or already existing materials. If your program has pre-made artwork...

BY: Shaun Gray      04/09/24

Energy Superheroes join Lights On Afterschool events in Charlottesville, Denver, Houston – and Mons, Belgium

We’re thrilled to share that Energy Superheroes are joining in the nation’s celebration of afterschool programs, Lights On Afterschool! Energy Superheroes are real-life women with superpowers and careers that are leading the energy transition. Many of these women help to power...

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