CLAY COUNTY – District schools will celebrate after-school programs next Thursday, Oct. 24, to not only create awareness of the programs but show how important they are to students.

Dubbed “Lights On Afterschool,” the celebration happens each year in October to shine a light on the programs offered around the country to students after school and what those programs mean. This year’s celebration will take place at all district schools that offer after school programs and teachers, students and parents are encouraged to attend.

“Lights On Afterschool is a day set aside across the county to celebrate all afterschool programs,” Afterschool Experience Executive Chuck Steinfurth said. “It not only creates awareness of what the different programs offer but shines a light on the importance they have in offering children an enriching environment after the bell rings.”

Lights On Afterschool started in 2000. Steinfurth said it represents a commitment by all programs to provide children a safe place that inspires learning and helps working families.

The YMCA offers afterschool programs at every elementary school in the Clay County School District. These programs offer students a healthy snack and homework help as well as daily activities ranging from STEM projects to character building to arts, literacy and outdoor games.

Steinfurth said highlighting these programs with something like Lights On Afterschool is important because afterschool programs have a big responsibility in the district.

“Afterschool programs have the opportunity and responsibility to impact a lot of youth in all communities,” Steinfurth said. “They have come a long way from simply being babysitting or childcare service. It is important we continue to share the benefits of these programs while at the same time, creating easy access for more families to attend.”

The YMCA serves about 1500 students each day, according to Steinfurth, in before-school and afterschool programs.

For those interested in attending a Lights On Afterschool celebration, each elementary school will be holding the celebration between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Each program will highlight its different activities by hosting things like talent shows, art contests and STEM Challenges. No matter which school though, the importance will be placed on the enriching environment afterschool programs provide.

Steinfurth said he encourages anyone currently in afterschool programs to attend as well as families interested in the programs as this celebration will give them a great taste of what the YMCA offers at each school.