Graphic with the headline “DCSS Celebrates Lights on ASP” beside a photo of a smiling young child with locs, missing a front tooth, working on a craft at a table covered with a yellow tablecloth. Another child in a red shirt sits nearby.

DCSS Celebrates Lights on Afterschool Initiative to Support Student Success

DCSS

November 12, 2026

The Douglas County School System recently participated in the 26th Annual Lights on A parent and student play checkers during ASP at a DCSS school.Afterschool rally, a nationwide event recognizing the important contributions made by afterschool programs. These programs play a vital role in supporting student’s well-being, assisting working families and encouraging learning beyond the classroom.

To celebrate the initiative, students showcased their skills and talents through art displays, walks and runs, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills-building and demonstrations.

An estimated 7.6 million children are left alone and unsupervised after school. To help address this concern, the Afterschool Alliance launched Lights On Afterschool to raise awareness of the importance of quality, affordable afterschool programs. The nonprofit organization advocates for greater access to programs that provide students with opportunities for enrichment, academic support and personal growth.

Mitzi Teal, executive director of Communities in Schools, emphasized the initiative’s positive impact on students and families.

“Afterschool programs are a service that supports our families and helps our students during out-of-school time,” she said. “Programs provide a vast array of activities to help extend learning, provide enrichment and homework assistance.”

Since its launch in 2000, Lights On Afterschool has grown into a nationwide celebration. The A student wearing goggles holds up a colorful glow stick during ASP.initiative began with events in 1,200 communities and expanded to 3,600 celebrations the following year. Today, more than 8,000 Lights On Afterschool rallies are held annually, drawing approximately 1 million participants and generating media coverage.

The Afterschool Alliance recognizes the many organizations that contribute to the initiative’s success, including After-School All-Stars, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 4-H Afterschool, Junior Achievement, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Young Rembrandts and the YMCA of the USA.

Families interested in enrolling their children in an afterschool program are encouraged to contact their school principal for information about available programs and enrollment procedures.