Lights On Afterschool: Join Us in Celebrating Montgomery County's Afterschool Programs

2 days ago
2 min read

Every day, between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., thousands of kids across Montgomery County are in an afterschool program — building new skills, getting homework help, staying safe, and finding mentors who believe in them. On Thursday, October 22, 2026, Learn to Earn Dayton, with our Summer + Afterschool Collaborative, is joining communities across the country to celebrate that work through Lights On Afterschool, the Afterschool Alliance's 27th annual national celebration of afterschool programs.

This year, we're inviting the community to help us shine a light on the programs that keep kids learning, safe, and supported beyond the school bell. Afterschool programs aren't just "extra" — for many families, they're essential. A few reasons this work matters here in Ohio:

The need is real. An estimated 820,000 children in Ohio have parents who want them in an afterschool program, but don't have access to one.
The 3–6 p.m. window matters. This stretch of the afternoon is a critical time for youth safety and mental health, and quality afterschool programming gives kids a safe place to be and a positive adult to connect with.
It reinforces learning and life skills. Good afterschool programming builds on what happens in the classroom while also developing teamwork, critical thinking, and other skills kids need for the future.
It's a smart investment. Research suggests every $1 invested in afterschool programming returns at least $3 in value — through lower public safety costs and by helping parents stay in the workforce.

You don't need to run a program to take part. Here's how anyone in our community can celebrate Lights On Afterschool this year:

1. Wear BLUE: on October 22, wear blue to show your support for afterschool programs. Whether you're a parent, a neighbor, a local business owner, or part of a school community, this simple act helps raise visibility for the kids and programs that need it.

2. Snap a Photo: Gather your family, coworkers, or community group and take a photo using the official 2026 Lights On Afterschool poster — hands shaped like a lightbulb is a fun, easy pose that works for any group size.

3. Share the Story: Post your photo and help spread the word! Use the hashtags #LightsOnAfterschool, #SASC, and #OAN, and tag Learn to Earn Dayton so we can share and celebrate with you:

Afterschool programs are a lifeline for families across Montgomery County, and they deserve to be seen and celebrated. Join us on October 22 in wearing blue, sharing a photo, and spreading the word — every voice helps make the case for why afterschool matters here at home.

Questions, or want more materials to share? Reach out to Wesley O. Biles II @ wesley.biles2@learntoearndayton.org