On Oct. 22, landmarks throughout Michigan lit up blue as part of the national “Lights On Afterschool” movement and show of support for afterschool programs and the young people and families they serve.
Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and the important role they play in providing young people with safe, supportive places to learn, grow, and connect when the school day ends.
“Lights On Afterschool events send a powerful message that millions more young people need quality afterschool and summer programs,” said Stephanie Van Koevering, director of public affairs for Michigan Afterschool Partnership. “The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and we are excited to see so many communities throughout Michigan participate in support of afterschool programming.”
This year, nearly 100 programs across Michigan celebrated Lights On Afterschool in partnership with their youth, families and communities.
In downtown Grand Rapids, the new Acrisure Amphitheater, along with the McKay Tower dome, Gallery Ramp, and the Blue Bridge illuminated blue lights in support of Lights On Afterschool. Additionally, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Network kicked off the celebration with a community Lights On Afterschool Community Bash on Oct. 21, at the MLK Community Center.
“We’re celebrating the importance of keeping the lights on afterschool,” said Shannon L. Harris, MASP board member, and executive director of Our Communities Children, which leads the ELO Network initiative. “Lights On Afterschool is a national celebration. We are one of 8,000 communities across the nation celebrating the importance of afterschool programs.
“Out-of-school programs are more than just a safe place for young people to be,” added Harris. “We have a variety of out-of-school time programs in Grand Rapids and in Kent County – from learning how to dance to learning how to mix chemicals in a lab – just having a space for young people to explore outside of the classroom.”
The Mott Foundation building in downtown Flint, and the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America building in downtown Lansing were also lit up to show support and provide awareness for Lights On Afterschool.
Related: WLNS - Why a downtown Lansing building will be lit blue
On Oct. 26, the Sound Mind Sound Body Foundation in Detroit hosted a community Lights On Afterschool celebration from 5-7 p.m., at its facility located at 11440 Morang Drive. The public event will feature the unveiling of a new mural by artist John Baker III.
The Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On Afterschool to draw attention to the many ways afterschool and summer programs support youth by offering them opportunities to discover new skills, connect with adult mentors, and grow. At the same time, afterschool programming helps parents and caregivers stay on the job, supporting economic growth in communities statewide.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed Oct. 22, 2026 as “Lights On Afterschool Day” in Michigan, reaffirming the state’s commitment to investing in afterschool opportunities, reflected in Michigan’s $135 million allocation for out-of-school time programs in Fiscal Year 2027.
“Afterschool programs provide critical support for youth, offering them new experiences and opportunities, along with hands-on learning that help them learn and grow,” Whitmer states in the proclamation. “Youth who attend afterschool programs attend school more often, do better in school, and gain important work and life skills. This support is especially important today. Michigan is committed to the education and well-being of our youth and recognizes that quality afterschool programs prepare our young people to become successful adults and help our communities thrive.”
Read more about the Lights On Afterschool movement in Michigan at WLNS.