Lights On Afterschool
Each October, one million Americans, and more than 8,000 communities nationwide celebrate the afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families.
Lights On Afterschool is a national advocacy day where afterschool programs across the nation host events to celebrate their programs and increase awareness about the importance of afterschool. Lights On Afterschool was launched in October 2000 with celebrations in 1,200 communities nationwide. The following year 3,600 events took place. Today, more than 8,000 Lights On Afterschool rallies are held annually, attracting 1 million Americans and media coverage nationwide. Lights On Afterschool is a project of the Afterschool Alliance.
October 23rd, 2025 is the date for this year’s Lights On Afterschool Day. In fact, Gov. Josh Stein officially declared October 23, 2025 as “Light On Afterschool Day” in North Carolina! But we want North Carolina to have a record number of events all month long in 2025, so be sure to register with the Afterschool Alliance!
The Afterschool Alliance provides tools and resources to host successful Lights On Afterschool events, including an event planning kit. The Afterschool Alliance and NC CAP encourages all programs and organizations to register their events, so we can have a record of events each year. When you register your event, you will receive an event starter kit that includes posters, buttons, and more! Your registration will also enter you in weekly contests for cool prizes!
You can register your event here.
Plan a Site Visit
Lights On Afterschool Celebrations are a great time to invite your local and state elected officials to visit your program! Use these templates to help you coordinate a meaningful experience for your representatives.
Visit our Advocacy Page to access advocacy tools to incorporate in your Lights On Afterschool Plans!
We also have resources specifically tailored to making the case for 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
LOA 2025: NC Turn the Lights On Communications Toolkit
Join us to reflect, celebrate, and call attention to the afterschool programs that are so critical to youth and families during the 26th annual Lights On Afterschool event. The North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs has created a toolkit to help you share information about the celebration and bring awareness to the importance of afterschool across North Carolina.
Lights On Afterschool Planning Webinar
Recorded on September 10, 2025
Check out this webinar recording to get ideas, resources, and information about celebrating Lights On Afterschool in North Carolina!
Access the webinar recording here
Access the webinar slides here
For additional resources, check out the Afterschool Alliance’s webinar recording: Lights On Afterschool 101.
