Lights On Afterschool is the Nation’s only celebration of Afterschool Programs and their role in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn, and helping with working families. 

2020 Lights On Afterschool

Lights On Afterschool will be on October 22nd this year! 
Celebrating Lights On Afterschool will look a little different this year, but it is more important now than ever to showcase the importance of afterschool programs and the hard work the out-of-school time community invests in providing for our keiki and ‘ōpio! We are asking that you celebrate in some way on October 22nd with your programs! Below you will find some ideas and options to celebrate with us whether you’re virtual or in-person! Click either image for access to a doc with more information!
Please REGISTER your program on the national database! When you register your event as an official Lights On Afterschool celebration, you’ll receive an event starter kit, which includes 10 free posters to help you promote your event, and make you eligible for cool prizes each week. You will be asked to create an account and then are sent to a form to register your event. You can fill in as little or as much information as you would like. 
County of Hawai‘i has declared October 22nd as Lights On Afterschool Day!

2019 Lights On Afterschool

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2017 Lights On Afterschool 

Thank you for celebrating with us the importance of Afterschool Programs at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, October 18, 2017

2016 Lights On Afterschool 



​On Wednesday, October 19, The Hawai'i Afterschool Alliance partnered up with 21st Century Community Learning Centers, After-School All-Stars Hawai'i, Boys and Girls Club of Hawai'i, Catlin School Age Care, HEʻE Coalition, Hickam School Age Care Program, Kamaʻaina Kids, Moiliili Community Center, PACT, R.E.A.C.H. and YMCA to celebrate Lights On Afterschool, with over 300 students at the Hawai'i State Capitol Rotunda. The event celebrated the achievements of afterschool students and drew attention to the need for more afterschool programs to serve our keiki. The gathering was one of approximately 8,000 such events across the Nation emphasizing the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open for afterschool programs. 

Hawai'i Lights on Afterschool started with a rally where students, parents and community leaders demonstrated their enthusiasm for afterschool programs on Beretania Street. Senator Donna Mercado Kim, and Representatives Della Au Belatti, Takashi Ohno, Lynn DeCoite, and Roy M. Takumi spoke eagerly about school and afterschool programs. Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say was delighted to see so many afterschool kids at the rally. Aguie T. was our fabulous MC and his daughter Mahea said a few words to the participants. Gayla Traylor lead our afterschool students in an active Zumba dance, students from Queen Ka'ahumanu Elementary School shared their pride for the A+ programs and Voyager Public Charter School’ students shared a memorable performance. An amazing street dance was done by the YMCA children and a Roosevelt High School student shared how afterschool programs are essential for her life. A member of the Boys and Girls Club gave testimony and After-School All-Stars from Kalakawa and Jarret Middle Schools showcased their talents. The event ended with the participants demonstrating their spirit sign-waving in front of the State Capitol. It was a great day!

2015 Lights On Afterschool 

More than 400 afterschool students, parents, legislators and community members joined this year's Hawai'i Lights On Afterschool Celebration at the State Capitol on Wednesday, October 21st, 2015.
The First Lady of Hawai'i, Mrs. Ige, shared her words of support of afterschool and summer learning programs. Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland and Michele Kidani as well as Representatives, Takashi Ohno and Tom Brower, spoke to the kids about the importance of school, afterschool and having fun. They were also very intrigued about what the kids had to say and spent some time interacting with the children and asking them questions.
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Mark Takai’s messages were present as well. Corey Rosenlee, HSTA president, joined the celebration. Augie T. and Mehana, his daughter, entertained us with their funny remarks and their upbeat personalities.
The afterschool students loved sign-waving on Beretania street and jumped out of excitement when cars, buses and ambulances responded to their presence. They enjoyed listening to the first lady of Hawai'i and our legislators. A surprise came when Representative Ohno asked them if any one would like to be a legislator when they grow up. Half of their hands went up in the air.
The After-School All-Stars took the stage and gave wonderful performances and testimonies to the delight of everybody.
Before the rally, some of the afterschool students gave testimonies at the Keiki Caucus inviting the members to join them at the rally. After the Caucus, the kids visited the legislator’s offices encouraging them to come to the rally.
The same morning, the Hawaii Afterschool Alliance got invited to be part of  KHON2 “Living 808”. The rally was also covered by KHON2 and it was aired during that evening news.
Thanks to Mrs. Ige, legislators, congressmen’s offices and thanks to all the participants who made this event possible: After-School All-Stars, Boys and Girls Clubs, Catlin School-Age Care, HEE Hui for Excellence in Education, Kama’aina Kids, Moiliiili Community Center, Parents and Children Together, Pearl Harbor and Hickam School-Age Care and YMCA.