Oct. 23 is Lights on Afterschool

 

Minneapolis Public Schools Afterschool students, families, and staff members celebrate the 26th Lights on Afterschool, a nationwide rally that highlights the importance of ensuring all children have access to quality, affordable afterschool options.

Governor Tim Walz has officially proclaimed October 23, 2025, as Lights On Afterschool Day in the State of Minnesota, recognizing the vital role these programs play in supporting youth, families, and communities across the state.

MPS Before & Afterschool programs

Afterschool programs like MPLS Kids and Youth Enrichment Afterschool are vital community resources that keep children safe, inspire learning, and support working families. Our commitment to afterschool programming reaches thousands of students each year at over 50 schools across Minneapolis.

MPLS Kids

• 18 school-year sites serving 2,150 students during the 2024-25 school year
• 8 summer sites serving 1,183 students during summer programming

Youth Enrichment

• Programming at 43 schools across the district
• 5,518 students enrolled in afterschool programming
• 3,207 students enrolled in summer 2024 programming

How to show support!

Research from the Lake Research Partners in 2023 says that support for funding for afterschool programs is at an all-time high, with voters across political affiliations, community types, racial and ethnic groups, and age groups in agreement that elected officials should invest more resources in programs.

8 in 10 voters want newly elected federal, state, and local leaders to provide more funding for afterschool programs.

Show your support by signing the petition for increased investments in afterschool. Your voice matters in asking policymakers and community leaders to prioritize funding that ensures our kids are learning and growing when school is out.

Happy Lights On Afterschool!

Lights On Afterschool is a project of the Afterschool Alliance.