Lights On Afterschool 2026: A Celebration of the Field in CT

About this event

Our event mission is to celebrate the out-of-school time field in Connecticut. We recognize individuals and encourage them to participate in a day of self-care. We engage participants with workshops which include, active play, STEM, SEL and more! Our pampering sessions include massages, reading nook, mediation, henna, arts & crafts, food, giveaways and other activities to remove the day-to-day stress. On the National level, we encourage providers to participate through local events including lighting up city landscapes, inviting state officials or celebrate the accomplishments of their program to broaden the awareness of the field and the critical role it plays in overall youth development and success. To sign up your LOA event, click here. Our Lights On Afterschool Celebration is FREE to attend. A day full of activities and all about YOU the Out of School Time Professional. Pre-registration is required. Participants will receive continental breakfast, lunch, t-shirt and more. This annual event helps illuminate the importance of and impact afterschool programming has on children and youth. Often being an afterthought, afterschool programs provide a safe and nurturing place for thousands of children across Connecticut. Each day nationally, 7.6 million children go home alone afterschool.