💡 Let’s Light Up New Jersey for Lights On Afterschool!
On Thursday, October 22, afterschool programs and supporters across the country will celebrate the 27th annual Lights On Afterschool. It’s an opportunity to recognize the people, partnerships, and programs that help young people discover new interests, build confidence, develop skills, and feel connected to their communities.
Afterschool professionals know that the impact of this work goes far beyond the hours between the school bell and the end of the day. It happens when a young person discovers a new talent, finds a trusted adult, builds a friendship, or realizes they can do something they never thought possible. Lights On Afterschool gives us a chance to bring those everyday moments into the spotlight and remind our communities why quality afterschool opportunities matter.
You don’t need a big event or a professional camera to participate. A single photo, a meaningful story, or a few words about why afterschool matters can help more people understand the difference these programs make.
This October 22, let’s fill our feeds with the people and moments that make afterschool special. When we share our stories, we help turn a statewide celebration into a wider conversation about the value of afterschool.
📸 Help Us Share the Light!
New Jersey will have a special display of support this year. Four Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission bridges are scheduled to light up in blue and yellow on October 22 in honor of afterschool programs: the Lower Trenton “Trenton Makes” Bridge, New Hope-Lambertville Bridge, Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge, and Northampton Street Bridge. The lights are scheduled to turn on a half-hour before sunset and remain on until 11 p.m.
Here’s how you can join in:
Take a picture: If you see one of the illuminated bridges, capture the moment!
Share it online: Post your photo on social media with #LightsOnAfterschool.
Show your program’s impact: Share a photo, short video, or story that captures what afterschool means to your students and community.
Recognize your team: Give a shoutout to the professionals, families, partners, and young people who help your program shine.
Snap a picture of one of the bridges and tag #lightsonafterschool
📜 The State Proclamation has ARRIVED for Lights On Afterschool 2026
WHEREAS, the citizens of the State of New Jersey stand firmly committed to quality afterschool and out-of-school time programs and opportunities because they:
• Provide safe and engaging learning experiences that help children realize their full potential;
• Support working families by ensuring their children are safe and productive when they are out of their classrooms;
• Build stronger communities by involving students, parents, business leaders and adult volunteers in the lives of young people, thereby promoting positive relationships among youth, families and
adults;
• Engage families, schools and community partners in advancing the welfare of our children; and
WHEREAS, NJSACC: New Jersey’s Afterschool and Out-of-School Time Professional Network, has risen to the moment to support afterschool professionals serving youth in addressing their needs as they recover from the pandemic. Out-of-school time (OST) programs are an important way to accelerate learning outside of the classroom, build relationships between students and teachers, engage the whole family and community, increase opportunities and address inequities…