Each day after school, 200,000 students are left unsupervised in Maricopa County. Without having an adult to watch them from 3-6 p.m., kids can get into risky situations. After school programs offer not only a place for students to go, but also a safe place where they can get help with areas where they may be struggling in class, getting along with parents or peers, and any other hard times they may be facing. The national Lights on Afterschool event began in 2000 to bring awareness of the importance of these afterschool programs.

“This last year, I was able to serve as an ambassador for afterschool programming in Arizona. I am so proud to be part of the work that supports afterschool programming for Arizona’s youth. This year we celebrate 20 years recognizing the day-to-day efforts our teams put forward into keeping the lights on and providing Arizona kids safe, engaging spaces that help them thrive. The team that I work with truly care about making a difference daily and supporting not just the children attending our programs but the entire family and our community.” Eva Harlow, Kyrene School District, Lights on Afterschool Ambassador

We partner with many great afterschool programs and advocate for affordable quality programs for local children. With these programs, kids are set up for academic success. Our partners and others across the Valley will be participating in this year’s Lights on Afterschool event on Thursday, October 24 and throughout that week.

Here Are A Few Of Our Partner’s Events

AzCASE Future Leaders Town Hall – Thursday, October 24^th

Casa Grande, AZ – 4:30-6:30pm
Community Recreation Center on 1905 N Peart Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Surprise, AZ (3:00 – 5:30pm)
Valley Vista Performing Arts Center on 15550 N Parkview Pl, Surprise, AZ 85374

This event is for student who want to learn more about taking action on important policy issues and is led by the Afterschool Alliance in partnership with the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence nonprofit organizations, local government, Arizona Town Hall, and schools. Together, participants will help start a public awareness campaign for afterschool programs.

“We are extremely excited to be participating in Lights on Afterschool through the Future Leaders Town Hall in Surprise, AZ. This event gives youth a platform to take their rightful place as leaders and valuable stakeholders in their community. Here they’ll have the opportunity to educate government, business, and community leaders on what youth need to thrive in their environment. At a time when there are far too few afterschool programs and events like these, our community is fortunate to be setting a new standard for how youth should be engaged.” – Mike Cassidy, City of Surprise, Lights on Afterschool Ambassador

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Kid Zone Enrichment Program Events – Thursday, October 24^th

Tempe Kid Zone Sites

Organized by Afterschool Ambassador Jeremy King, each event will feature a glow party at which students will crack glow sticks to shine a light on afterschool and participate in hands-on learning activities like Tornado in a bottle STEM project, Nutritious Apple Raisin Grams recipe, Catch® Active Games, and Life-Sized Literacy.

Click below and view the newsletter and calendar of the location nearest you for more information.

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