ADVOCATE | LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL

Lights on Afterschool

Join us as we celebrate the annual Lights on Afterschool on October 23rd - register your program today and receive free, engaging activities to make your event shine!

What is Lights On Afterschool?

Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event that celebrates and advocates for afterschool programs. The Alaska Afterschool Network is committed to raising awareness of the role afterschool, before-school, and summer learning programs play in ensuring our kids graduate from high school and are ready for the workforce.

On Thursday, October 23, programs across Alaska will celebrate Lights On Afterschool and showcase the incredible work that afterschool does in keeping kids safe, inspiring youth to grow, and giving parents peace of mind. Lights On Afterschool events, like afterschool programs, come in all shapes and sizes, from public rallies to open houses to newsletters.

Whether you’re planning a family fun night, a media campaign, tour of your program for partners and families, or beyond for 2025, check out our resources below. From activity sheets, to social media resources, to themed activities for your event, we’re here top help make your Lights On Afterschool event shine!

Lights On Toolbox

Coming Soon! Visit the Lights On Toolbox to print the 2025 Alaska Afterschool Fact Sheet and activity sheets, customize a Lights On Afterschool Poster, and find social media resources.

Aurora Activities

Make your event GLOW with Northern Lights themed activities from UA Museum of the North!

If you are hosting a Lights On event this year, register with the Afterschool Alliance. Once registered, keep browsing the Lights On Afterschool website for more resources and information on how to maximize your celebration.

Make your Lights On Afterschool Event Glow with a Northern Lights Theme!

Northern Lights Activities from UA Museum of the North

Find aurora activities HERE

Customizable Aurora Poster

Add your program’s information to this customizable poster to hang and distribute. Find the template HERE

Coloring Pages

Check them out and down load them here.

Brighten Up Social Media
with Stories of Lights On

A Social Media Toolkit For Your Program

Right click on an image and then select “Save Image As…” to save it to your desktop. Then, you can upload it to any social media platform you’d like! Feel free to use our suggested post text or think of captions of your own.

In addition, you can:

Access the Canva Template to modify posts for your program.
Download all Graphic Assets from our Google Drive.
Download the full Toolkit for post text, tips, and guidance.

We also recommend checking the national Lights On Afterschool resources, including additional graphics and resources, at: https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loaSocialMedia.cfm#graphics.

Looking for something for elevating Lights On Afterschool and can’t find it? Email Program Specialist Erin Moriearty here.

Graphic assets

Suggested Post Text

FB: ✨ Afterschool is where Alaska’s kids can spark their imagination and explore new ideas. From hands-on STEM projects to outdoor adventures, afterschool programs give youth safe, supportive spaces to dream big.

On October 23, join us for Lights On Afterschool and help us shine a light on the power of afterschool across Alaska. 💡Register your event today! http://3to6.co/LightsOn-Signup

IG/X: Afterschool is where Alaska’s kids use their imagination and explore! ✨💡

Celebrate Lights On Afterschool on October 23 and help us keep the #LightsOn for Alaska youth. #AfterschoolWorksAK

Suggested Post Text

FB & IG/X: It’s on! We're gearing up for #LightsOnAfterschool by getting the word out! Help us share & invite afterschool champions to join the celebration & showcase how #AfterschoolWorks: http://3to6.co/LightsOn-Signup

Our afterschool programs make a difference for the kids, families & communities they serve every day. But across the country, for every child who gets to participate in an afterschool program, four more are waiting to get in. If you think every kid deserves access, join us to celebrate #LightsOnAfterschool! Sign up now to receive updates on how you can join the biggest celebration for afterschool nationally: http://3to6.co/LightsOn-Signup

Download the Toolkit

Suggested Post Text

FB & IG: 97% of Alaskan parents are satisfied with their child’s afterschool program. Parents feel confident knowing that while they’re working, their kids are safe, building life skills, getting homework help, and engaging in fun learning opportunities.

At ____ (insert program name), we know afterschool is more than just a place to go — it’s where kids make friends, stay active, explore STEM, and enjoy healthy meals in a safe, supportive space.

On October 23, we’re turning the lights on for Lights On Afterschool. Join us in raising awareness of the many benefits of afterschool by celebrating with us and sharing our posts.

X: Celebrate Lights On Afterschool with us on October 23 and shine a light on the benefits of afterschool in Alaska! #LightsOnAfterschool #AfterschoolWorksAK

Suggested Post Text

FB: Two weeks to go! Afterschool is a safe and supportive place where Alaska’s youth can show up as their true, authentic selves. When kids feel accepted and valued, they thrive — in school, at home, and in their communities. On October 23, join us for Lights On Afterschool and help shine a light on the importance of safe, welcoming spaces for every child in Alaska.

IG/X: Afterschool = a safe space to be your authentic self. 💡💙

Celebrate Lights On Afterschool with us on October 23 and help us shine a light on the power of acceptance, support, and community for Alaska’s kids. #LightsOnAfterschool #AfterschoolWorksAK

Suggested Post Text

FB: 💡 One week to go! Join us on October 23 for Lights On Afterschool and help us shine a light on the power of afterschool in Alaska. Afterschool is where Alaska’s kids make new friends and grow together in safe, supportive spaces. These connections are what make afterschool so important for families across our state.

IG/X: 💡 One week to go! Afterschool is where Alaska’s kids make friends, learn, and grow together. Get ready to celebrate Lights On Afterschool on October 23! #LightsOnAfterschool #AfterschoolWorksAK

canva template

Suggested Post Text

FB: Afterschool is where Alaska’s children and youth can simply be kids — having fun, making friends, and building memories that last a lifetime.

On October 23, join us for Lights On Afterschool and help shine a light on the joy, learning, and growth that happens after the school day ends.

IG/X: Afterschool = fun, laughter, and play! 🎉💡

Celebrate Lights On Afterschool with us on October 23 and help keep afterschool shining bright for Alaska’s kids.

#LightsOnAfterschool #AfterschoolWorksAK

Suggested Post Text

FB: Today is the day! Join us and afterschool programs throughout Alaska to celebrate Lights On Afterschool! Help us shine a light on the impact afterschool programs are making – inspiring learning and helping youth realize their full potential. #### Alaska’s kids rely on afterschool every day, but #### Alaskans are still waiting to get in. Share your support! #LightsOnAfterschool #AfterschoolWorks

IG/X: We're celebrating 26 years of #LightsOnAfterschool by taking the #LightbulbChallenge. How are you celebrating?

Even More Lights On Resources!

Resources

Brainstorm ideas, learn strategies to make an impact, or view the planning timeline to hold an event.

Resources

Register

Make sure you register your Lights On Afterschool celebration with the Afterschool Alliance.

Reach Out

Need help plan your Lights On Afterschool event? Contact us for help and ideas.

Reach Out

Donate

Support Afterschool programs and do your part to keep the Lights On!

Donate