Each October, one million Americans and more than 7,500 communities nationwide celebrate the afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families. 

Attention afterschool artists: We want your artwork for the 2012 Lights On Afterschool poster!  The submission deadline is May 1, 2012.  Click here for more information and contest guidelines.

Highlights from last year:

Lights On Afterschool event photo gallery 
How did you celebrate? Email your event photos to 2011LightsOn.Upload@picasaweb.com.

jcpenney Light Up a Landmark Contest
Dozens of afterschool programs lit up local landmarks for afterschool.  Seventeen sites won cash prizes from jcpenney for their creative plans to shine a spotlight on afterschool programs.  Congratulations to our Light Up a Landmark People's Choice winner: the Odyssey Enrichment program in Rockport, TX!  Their creative landmark photo recieved the most "likes" on Facebook and has earned them $1,000 from jcpenney.

Announcing the 2011 MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Award winners!
Five outstanding afterschool programs received $10,000 awards at their Lights On Afterschool celebrations to support their outstanding work with middle school youth.

State-by-State Afterschool Progress Reports and Consumer Guides 
How does your state measure up? Sponsored by jcpenney, our new State-by-State Afterschool Progress Reports and Consumer Guides assess state efforts to keep the lights on after school, with resources to help you find and support programs near you.