Lights On Afterschool: #illuMInatetheState Video Contest

Your afterschool program has a story. Let Michigan see it.

In celebration of Lights On Afterschool, the Michigan Afterschool Partnership is inviting young people across Michigan to show us what makes their afterschool or summer learning program shine.

Create a video sharing what makes your program unique and how it has helped you grow, learn, connect or try something new. Your video can introduce the people who make your program special, show us a day in your program, highlight something you have learned or tell your story in your own creative way.

Videos must be submitted by October 9, 2026.

Who Can Enter?

The contest is open to young people ages 5–18 who are enrolled in a Michigan afterschool or summer learning program.

Youth participants should take the lead in creating the video. Parents, guardians and program staff can help with planning, filming and submitting the final entry.

What Could Your Video Show?

There is no single right way to tell your story. You might:

  • Take us through a day in your program

  • Introduce someone who makes your program special

  • Demonstrate a skill you learned

  • Share a favorite activity or memory

  • Explain how your program helped you make friends, build confidence or discover something new

  • Create a skit, interview, mini-documentary or another kind of video

Be creative, be yourself and show Michigan what happens when the lights stay on after school.

Video Requirements

Your video must:

  • Be no more than one minute long

  • Be created by an eligible youth participant

  • Respond to the contest prompt

  • Be filmed vertically or horizontally

  • Include a completed media release form with the submission

How to Enter

Email your video to olivia@miafterschool.org by October 9, 2026.

Please include:

  • The young person’s name

  • The name of their afterschool or summer learning program

  • Contact information

  • A completed media release form

Parents or guardians may submit an entry on behalf of a young person.

Download the Media Release Form

What Happens Next?

Winners will be contacted by email or phone. Winning videos and participant names may be featured on the Michigan Afterschool Partnership’s website, social media channels and other communications.

A completed media release form is required before a video can be shared publicly.

Help Us #illuMInatetheState

Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide celebration of the programs that help young people learn, connect and thrive beyond the school day. This year, we want Michigan’s young people to lead the celebration.

Pick up a camera. Tell your story. Show us how your program helps #illuMInatetheState.

Submission Deadline: October 9, 2026

Submit Your Video

Questions?

For questions, please contact Olivia at olivia@miafterschool.org.