Lights on Afterschool is an annual nationwide event that began in October 2000. Its purpose is to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of afterschool programs for children, families, and communities. Each year, this significant event receives extensive media coverage across the country. Lights on Afterschool emphasizes how afterschool programs support students by helping them gain knowledge in STEAM among other subjects and discover new skills that can last a lifetime.
Usher, the music entertainer who performed during the Super Bowl halftime show earlier this year, is the 2024 honorary chair of Lights on Afterschool. Usher’s single-parent mother found she could confidently rely on The Boys & Girls Club to care for her son after school. Usher credits after-school programs as safe places that young people can attend where they will have caring adults and mentors. Usher's involvement in this year's Lights on Afterschool includes calling on the nation for more afterschool programs. Usher credits his afterschool experience with finding his life’s purpose—music, which would later inspire him to join the cause to help “close the gap for the 25 million youth who need afterschool services.”
Lights on Afterschool will officially be observed on October 24, 2024. It will be a day to remember as many people as possible and establishments will host events to celebrate the significance of and the need for increased afterschool programs. The media will be replete with images of celebrations across the country. Even the Empire State Building will turn on its light ‘after school’! Will you also participate for the cause?
As parents, donors, and supporters of Operation Xcel, you understand the importance of quality afterschool programs, whether your child is currently attending Operation Xcel or has attended in the past. You may also support children who participate in these programs. We encourage you to take part in the Lights on Afterschool Lightbulb Challenge to draw attention to the need for more affordable or free afterschool programs for all children. All you need to do is take a photo of yourself posing in the shape of the Lights on Afterschool logo and post it on social media with the hashtags #LightbulbChallenge and #LightsOnAfterschool. Then, challenge your followers to do the same!
Tag us on social media if you are participating in the Lightbulb Challenge. We are Operation Xcel on all our social media platforms. You will recognize us through our distinct logo and branded color scheme.
The Lights on Afterschool Logo and other social media art and tools can be accessed here:
https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loaArt.cfm
