Lights On Afterschool events across the country will spotlight the fun, hands-on STEM learning opportunities afterschool programs provide

From programming robots to launching rocket parachutes, students in every part of the country are exploring STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) at Lights On Afterschool events this month. Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool is the only national rally for afterschool programs. One million people are expected to participate in some 8,000 events held on and around October 23 to highlight the need to invest in afterschool programs, which keep students safe, inspire them to learn, and give working parents peace of mind that their children are safe and learning when the school day ends.

“Through engaging, hands-on activities from building robots to testing water quality, afterschool programs are helping students see themselves in STEM fields, expanding their horizons and building our country’s future workforce,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. “The fun, supportive environment these programs cultivate is a perfect space for students to learn STEM by doing STEM. We are thrilled so many Lights On Afterschool events this year will showcase the innovative STEM activities afterschool programs offer, as the nation rallies for more investments so no student will miss out on these critical opportunities.”

STEM Next has curated a list of free STEM resources and activities for programs to use at their Lights On Afterschool events and beyond that give youth opportunities to build, invent, and explore. And STEM Superheroes is sparking excitement about energy careers for Lights On Afterschool, donating copies of “Everyday Superheroes: An Energy Coloring & Activity Book” to several afterschool program locations. This interactive resource empowers afterschool kids to build, color, and doodle their way to discovering energy careers.

Among the many other STEM-focused activities taking place at Lights On Afterschool events around the country:

Kirkwood, Missouri: Kirkwood Adventure Club will celebrate Lights On Afterschool with a STEM-Tastic Family Fun event on October 23. Five hundred students across five locations will participate in a variety of hands-on science activities alongside their families, showing off the STEM skills they’ve learned in the afterschool program.

Bellevue, Nebraska: The Bellevue Public Schools Foundation will host open house events at each of its 15 Kids’ Time locations on October 23 to mark Lights On Afterschool. As many as 600 total guests are expected across all 15 events. Each location will showcase two to three STEM activities.

Las Vegas, Nevada: On October 18, E3 will hold a Lights On Afterschool event at Allegiant Stadium. The backstage stadium tour, which is arranged through Mayor Shelley Berkley and the Las Vegas Raiders football team, will involve a showcase on STEM in sports and how it is connected to the math, science and engineering programs that students participate in during afterschool programs. Twenty-five students will participate and learn about the integral role that STEM plays in athletics. Mayor Berkley will also issue a proclamation for Lights On Afterschool on October 23.

Reno, Nevada: To celebrate Lights On Afterschool, the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows will host a Trunk-or-Treat on October 30 at the Donald W. Reynolds Clubhouse. Guests will enjoy yard games, a bounce house, a light bulb coloring contest, face painting, and more.Community partners including the Nevada Department of Wildlife, The Great Basin Institute, and The Desert Research Institute will provide STEM activities. More than 200 guests are expected.

Columbia, South Carolina: On Thursday, October 2, South Carolina Afterschool Alliance (SCAA) welcomed approximately 2,000 students, families, and afterschool programs from across the state to Segra Park for the third annual SC STEM Extravaganza to celebrate Lights On Afterschool. Students took part in hands-on STEM activities, live demonstrations and interactive exhibits ranging from robotics to LEGO engineering — all highlighting how afterschool programs spark curiosity, build critical skills, and expand STEM opportunities.

McKinney, Texas: On October 23, Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County will host an open house and STEM exhibition at its McKinney Branch location for Lights On Afterschool. Students will demonstrate their computer science skills with a coding activity. Guests will also enjoy games and refreshments. More than 100 guests, including McKinney, Texas Mayor Bill Cox, are expected.

Richmond, Virginia: On Saturday, October 18, NextUp, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond (BGCMR) and partners will hold a Lights On Afterschool event at Liberation Center featuring family-friendly activities and opportunities for youth to connect with free afterschool programs. The event will include remarks from Mayor Danny Avula, Councilmember Stephanie Lynch, local business leaders, educators and other officials. Students will showcase STEM experiments and artwork from their afterschool programs. Dominion Energy, Troutman Pepper Locke, and the City of Richmond (through the Safer Communities Grant) are sponsors of this Lights On Afterschool event.

Douglas, Wyoming: The Boys & Girls Club of Douglas will host a family engagement night for Lights On Afterschool on October 23 to showcase the activities and skills that students learn in its program. As many as 100 children and family members will take part in the “Space Celebration,” including themed activities such as launching rocket parachutes, mixing potions, and playing Black Hole Frisbee.

The unmet need for afterschool programs is enormous. A 2022 survey of approximately 1,500 parents commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance and conducted by Edge Research found that approximately half of children not in an afterschool program would be enrolled, if a program were available to them.

A large and powerful body of evidence demonstrates improvements in grades, school attendance, behavior, and more among children who participate in afterschool programs. Researchers have also found that students in afterschool programs are more engaged in school and excited about learning, and they develop work and life skills such as problem solving, teamwork, and communications.

Clear Channel Outdoor is a proud supporter of Lights On Afterschool 2025.