We've got something to celebrate! Join us for Lights On Afterschool 2025
By Charlotte Steinecke Posted: Aug 14, 2025
Federal afterschool and summer funding for this year was restored, thanks to 100,000 people who raised their voices. Let’s celebrate!
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.
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.
We’re thrilled to unveil our 2025 poster design and invite you to join the nation’s rally for afterschool. 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.
More To Come: In The Mean Time Please Enjoy This Highlight from Last Year. 8,000 Events Countrywide of High-Quality, Enriching Experiences for All Students Highlighting the Need for Afterschool and OST Programs.
New Jersey legislators and community leaders joined in celebrating “Lights On Afterschool” this year. This helped to showcase the impact Afterschool and Out of School Time Programs have on students and communities across the state. Governor Phil Murphy issued a proclamation marking October 24 as “Lights On Afterschool Day,” emphasizing the essential role afterschool programs play in supporting student learning and family stability statewide.
The “Trenton Makes” bridge and Phillipsburg “Free Bridge” were illuminated in honor of the event’s 25th anniversary. New Jersey’s commitment to afterschool initiatives and dedication to increasing awareness of these programs was symbolized by these visual tributes.
Local leaders reinforced that such programs not only enhance academic achievement but also provide a safe, supportive environment for children after school.
New Jersey Legislators and Community Leaders Help Shine a Light On 2024's "Lights On Afterschool"
During Lights On Afterschool, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker celebrated the efforts of NJSACC and emphasized the value of afterschool programs. Booker, along with many others, highlighted how these programs are vital for providing safe spaces, encouraging academic growth, and fostering social connections for students and families across New Jersey.
Their message underscored a shared commitment to ensuring that programs like those celebrated by Lights On Afterschool remain accessible and funded to continue to expand statewide.
A few of the key community leaders who spoke about the importance of Afterschool and OST are below. See what they had to say themselves in the video portion.
- Ebony Grace, NJSACC’s CEO
- Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill
- Councilwoman Jenny Mundell (Bloomfield)
- Assemblywoman Carmen Morales
- Assemblyman Michael Venezia
- Senator Vin Gopal
- Senator Cory Booker
- Congressman Andy Kim
- Councilwoman Tammy Williams (West Orange)
This out pour of support shows the growing initiative to meet the needs of families and align with a national push to expand funding and accessibility for afterschool programs. Programs which are essential for students to reach their full potential through enriching, structured activities outside regular school hours.