Join Us for Lights On Afterschool!

Thursday, October 26

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.

The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with the 50 State Afterschool Networks, organizes Lights On Afterschool to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things—such as science, community service, robotics, Tae Kwon Do and poetry—and discover new skills. The local events send a powerful message – afterschool programs make a difference - and millions more kids need access to quality afterschool programs.

Lights On Afterschool events can take any form—you can find hundreds of ideas in the searchable events database! Get inspiration from other Lights On Afterschool celebrations and search by theme, event type, and difficulty. You can even look at what other programs in your region have done in previous years.

Here are some of the most popular ways people celebrate:

• Open House: Share your program's story by inviting your community to participate in a Day in the Life or special event at your program.
• Rally: Demonstrate at your state capitol, your city hall, or invite policymakers to your program site to honor afterschool champions and make connections with decision-makers.
• Talent Showcase: Put the talents of your students center stage and celebrate everything they are learning after school.
• Carnival/Festival: Set up interactive games, booths, snacks, and group activities like mural painting or a movie screening to create a special day at your program.
• Art Day: Download coloring pages and decorate your program with artwork from your students.

Need some help with planning? Use the planning tool for your Lights On Afterschool event.

Thinking about inviting some local officials or state policymakers to your event? Use this sample invitation as a starting place and use this tool to help you host a successful site visit.

Hoping to generate some positive media coverage with your event? Use these outreach tools to support your efforts. 

And be sure to register your event so we know about all of the amazing celebrations of afterschool happening around the state of Wisconsin!