On October 20th, over 5,000 NIA students participated in the 23rd Annual Lights On Afterschool event, a national celebration of after-school programs and the important role they play in the lives of children, families, and communities. Every year, thousands of Lights On Afterschool events are held across the country to highlight the importance of after-school and the need for increased investments in after-school programs. Check out what some of our programs did to celebrate below!

At PS 609, students from all grades got the chance to spend the day together during an after-school glow-in-the-dark party. They helped each put together glow in the dark accessories like glasses and necklaces while discussing their journey with NIA through the years.

IS 303 hosted a wonderful Lights On Afterschool Talent Show, featuring bands, skits, martial arts, singing, and more. Food trucks also visited the school and students set up a celebratory photo booth.

Students at PS/IS 229 participated in a variety of celebratory arts & crafts activities, such as building spooky poster boards with personal notes about the importance of NIA in their lives.

Students at IS 281 started off the day by expressing why they love NIA and sharing ideas about new program activities. Then students enjoyed celebratory photo shoots, a dance party, food trucks, and more.

PS 176 hosted a Pajama Movie Day for 3rd-5th graders, and 1st and 2nd graders took pictures of themselves and wrote in one word how they feel about after-school.

Students at PS 216 built lantern mason jars and T-shirts, in addition to collaboratively designing a sign that explained their favorite parts of after-school.

At PS 682/686, students participated in a variety of arts & crafts activities expressing their appreciation for after-school and had a snack party.

Do you love after-school? Take action here by sharing a message with Congress about the impact after-school programs like ours have on your family and community!