Lights on Afterschool

Lights On Afterschool, the annual rally for afterschool programs, is back for its 26th year! Every year on the third Thursday in October, more than 8,000 afterschool programs nationwide host celebrations and open their doors to their communities to showcase what they do every day to keep kids safe and engaged in learning. This year the event falls on October 23rd. 

There are lots of ways to participate and show your support for afterschool programs:

• If you're a fan of afterschool, thank Congress for helping to release the funds and ask them to save the date for Lights On Afterschool.
• Programs should register their events today to get signed up for great giveaways across the next ten weeks.
• Leaders and advocates, get the word out on social media and consider lighting up landmarks for afterschool in your community.

The Afterschool Alliance is thrilled to unveil the 2025 poster design winner:

About the artist and the program

This year’s poster was created by Arya Bhatt from Raritan Valley YMCA. Arya’s artwork captures how afterschool programs nurture health and well-being, encourage mindfulness, and inspire positive values. The poster features two youth in peaceful, reflective poses, surrounded by core values that afterschool programs embody.

The Raritan Valley YMCA is committed to enhancing lives through inclusive, engaging, and developmentally enriching programs that support the mind, body, and spirit.

Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.