Lights On Afterschool – Celebrating Kids’ Recovery

October 20th is Lights On Afterschool!

Afterschool programs provide opportunities for school age students to engage in academically enriching activities, take part in physical activities, build friendships, gain confidence, learn how to make responsible decisions, and seek advice and support from caring adults and mentors. Afterschool programs are an instrumental partner for schools and families—providers are connected to their students, complement school-day lessons, and provide essential supports for families.

According to the 2022 America After 3PM report, 16,237 kids in Delaware participate in afterschool. 81% of parents say afterschool helps them keep their jobs and 85% say it helps provide them with a peace of mind. We also know that 62,518 kids would participate in an afterschool program if one were available.

This is WHY we must continue to SHINE a LIGHT about the impact of comprehensive afterschool and summer enrichment programs!

So, Delaware, let’s join more than 8,000 communities and 1 million Americans in celebrating afterschool programs for this year’s Lights On Afterschool! This nationwide event, organized by the Afterschool Alliance and in partnership with the 50 State Afterschool Network calls attention to the importance of afterschool programs and the resources required to keep the lights on and the doors open.

This year we celebrate all the programs that kept the doors open and lights on for students and their families. A special shout-out to 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Bancroft Elementary School, Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware, Delaware 4-H, Goju Training Center, United Way of Delaware’s Learning Pods, Let’s P.L.A.Y Events, McCullough Middle School, Neighborhood House, Shortlidge Academy, Stubbs Early Education Center, and WINNERS.

The Delaware Afterschool Network, Delaware Department of Education 21^st Century Community Learning Centers, and United Way of Delaware are proud to be Lights On Afterschool partners.

 And, if you’re looking for a fun, effortless way to celebrate, take part in the Lightbulb Challenge!

Participating in Lights On Afterschool doesn’t have to be time-consuming. The #LightbulbChallenge allows your program to take part in the celebration while spreading the word about the importance afterschool programs! Here’s how you can join the challenge:

1. Take a photo of yourself, students in your program, or even teachers and parents mimicking our Lights On Afterschool logo.
2. Post your photos to social media with the hashtags #LightbulbChallenge and #LightsOnAfterschool.
3. Challenge your followers to do the same! Tag the programs and people you would like to see participate in the #LightbulbChallenge.

For a fun twist on the classic #LightbulbChallenge, have your students incorporate their art! Ask youth from your program to decorate their very own lightbulbs and snap a photo of them with their lightbulbs held above their heads! Do not forget to post your photos on social media using the #LightsOnAfterschool and #LightbulbChallenge hashtags!