Lights On Afterschool is less than eight weeks away and lots of programs have started planning their events! From marches and rallies to scavenger hunts and STEM lessons, the possibilities for a successful event are endless.
Looking for inspiration for your event? Check out the revamped Event Ideas & Activities page, where you can search by theme, activities, planning time, difficulty, partnerships, state, and audiences to find the pitch-perfect idea for your program.
For 2017, here’s what programs around the country are planning:
Belgrade, Montana: Literacy and library partnerships are a hot topic for this year’s Lights On! In partnership with the Belgrade Public Library, kidLINK at Belgrade Middle School is conducting an evening of “buddy reading” for middle schoolers and kindergarteners. Families and students will be able to observe and participate in cross-age reading experiences, as afterschoolers build on their grade level reading and improve their mentoring skills with younger children.
Quitman, Georgia: Brooks County 21st CCLC ECHOES is bringing their support for afterschool straight to local policymakers! Starting with a rally at the Courthouse Square, program students will produce performances and testimonials, as well as awards and prizes. Parents and school staff members are invited to attend, along with local, regional, and state officials.
Bentonville, Arkansas: Students at the Bentonville Adventure Club will celebrate Lights On Afterschool by heading out into the community on a scavenger hunt. Glow-in-the-dark items will be hidden in local businesses around the town square and students will have the opportunity to meet local business owners and professionals as they complete the hunt. Then, the local park will light up with a glow-in-the dark party, complete with favors, food, and music.
South Holland, Illinois: River Oaks Community Education and Development Corporation (ROC ED) will be celebrating STEM in afterschool with their “Aviation Day!” With the River Oaks Community Church, the program is heading to the Lansing Municipal Airport to introduce their students to the historic facility. There, students will learn how airplanes work and meet members of the Civil Air Patrol.
Miami, Florida: Hosted by their community partners, the Miami Marlins, the South Florida After School All Stars are gearing up to knock their event out of the park! First, more than 200 students and local professionals will be paired up for a “CEO Relay Race” to learn about potential college and career paths. Students will rotate to a different professional every seven minutes to explore lots of different careers at a quick and exciting pace. Afterwards, students, volunteers, staff, community partners, and board members will participate in a game of kickball to the sounds of the student-powered live DJ.
There’s still time to invite policymakers to your event, but their schedules fill up fast! Use our sample invitation to contact your local officials and invite them to celebrate Lights On Afterschool.
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