LOA Events & Celebrations

Overview

Lights On Afterschool Events & Celebrations

Afterschool programs make a difference in the lives of young people every day, inspiring learning and preparing students for a bright future! Put the #LightsOnAfterschool for the programs that help our kids, families, and communities thrive. 

Join the California AfterSchool Network, the California Department of Education, and the System of Support for Expanded Learning as we celebrate and recognize leaders across the state!

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Mark Your Calendars for Statewide & Local Events

Statewide Event

LOA 2026 Celebration Save the DateJoin us for a virtual Lights On AfterSchool Celebration at the Annual California Expanded Learning Leadership Awards!

  • Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM 

These leadership awards celebrate highlighted leaders across the state – don’t miss out! 

This event will be livestreamed via YouTube on the CAN YouTube Channel. 

Local Events & Resources

LOA Eagle Poster Find an event near you! Visit the Afterschool Alliance’s Lights on Afterschool website and search for Lights On Afterschool events in your neighborhood: bit.ly/47m0IQt

Resources to support your local event from the Afterschool Alliance! 

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Afterschool Alliance Logo

A Project of the Afterschool Alliance

Lights On Afterschool is a project of the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to quality, affordable afterschool programs. 

Lights On Afterschool was launched in October 2000 with celebrations in 1,200 communities nationwide. The following year 3,600 events took place. Today, more than 8,000 Lights On Afterschool rallies are held annually, attracting 1 million Americans and media coverage nationwide.

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Event flyer

Celebrating the California Expanded Learning Leadership Awards!
Thursday, October 26, 2023; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The California AfterSchool Network, California Department of Education, and System of Support for Expanded Learning celebrated Lights On Afterschool by recognizing leaders across the state!

Congratulations to the Awardees, and thank you for the fantastic work you do in your committees!

Emerging Leadership Awardee

  • Patricia Hernandez, ELP Site Director, Central Unified School District – Region 7

Innovative Leadership Awardees

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Lights on Afterschool Light Bulb Artwork

Lights On Afterschool 2021
Thursday, October 28, 2021

CAN and thousands of communities celebrated and rallied for afterschool programs as the Afterschool Alliance organized the 22nd annual Lights On Afterschool! This nationwide event on Thursday, October 28, 2021, called attention to the importance of afterschool programs and the resources required to keep the lights on and the doors open, especially as programs step up to help students, families, and communities in the pandemic.