Light's 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 New Hampshire 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.​
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On Thursday, October 22, programs across New Hampshire 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.
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Whether you’re planning a family fun night, a media campaign, tour of your program for partners and families, or beyond for 2026, 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!
Visit the Lights On Toolbox to print the 2026 New Hampshire Afterschool Fact Sheet and activity sheets, customize a Lights On Afterschool Graphics, and find social media resources.
Coming Soon....
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.
Explore Resources to make your Lights On Event shine!
Customizable Event Poster
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.
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In addition, you can:
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Access the Canva Template to modify posts for your program.
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Download all Graphic Assets from our Google Drive.
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Download the full Toolkit for post text, tips, and guidance.
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We also recommend checking the national Lights On Afterschool resources, including additional graphics and resources, at: https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loaSocialMedia.cfm#graphics.
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Looking for something for elevating Lights On Afterschool and can’t find it? Email Sonjia Tainter, Network Lead here .
Suggested Post Text
FB: ✨ Afterschool is where New Hampshire’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.
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On October 22, join us for Lights On Afterschool and help us shine a light on the power of afterschool across New Hampshire. 💡Register your event today! http://3to6.co/LightsOn-Signup
IG/X: Afterschool is where New Hampshire’s kids use their imagination and explore! ✨💡
Celebrate Lights On Afterschool on October 22 and help us keep the #LightsOn for NH youth. #AfterschoolWorksNH
Suggested Post Text
FB & IG: 97% of New Hampshire 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.
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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.
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On October 22, 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.
Suggested Post Text
FB: Afterschool is where New Hampshire’s children and youth can simply be kids — having fun, making friends, and building memories that last a lifetime.
On October 22, join us for Lights On Afterschool and help shine a light on the joy, learning, and growth that happens after the school day ends.
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IG/X: Afterschool = fun, laughter, and play! 🎉💡
Celebrate Lights On Afterschool with us on October 22 and help keep afterschool shining bright for New Hampshire’s kids.
#LightsOnAfterschool #AfterschoolWorksNH
Governor Ayotte Officially Proclaims October 23, Lights On Afterschool Day
Thank you to Governor Ayotte for issuing an Executive Proclamation for October 23rd, 2025! Thank you for helping us build stronger communities, and support working families, recognizing the importance of after school programming!
I, Kelly Ayotte, support all those who ensure the lights stay on and the doors stay open for our children, helping to prepare the next generation of leaders in our great state.
Even More Lights On Resources!
Resources
Brainstorm ideas, learn strategies to make an impact, or view the planning timeline to hold an event.
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.
Donate
Support Afterschool programs and do your part to keep the Lights On!
Light's On Afterschool (October)
Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event that celebrates and advocates for afterschool programs. The New Hampshire 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 22, 2026, programs across New Hampshire 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.