City leaders & education advocates light up billboards nationwide for the 20th Lights On Afterschool

Adapted from a recent press release.

Big, bright news for the 20th Lights On Afterschool! In partnership with the Afterschool Alliance, the National League of Cities, and the National Summer Learning Association—a coalition of afterschool supporters—joined with Clear Channel Outdoor to launch a campaign across more than 1,000 digital billboards nationwide, encouraging city leaders and other stakeholders to turn the Lights On Afterschool!

Clear Channel Outdoor is supporting the 20th anniversary campaign by donating some of its most prominent billboard space to on October 24, including some of its digital billboards in New York City’s Time Square. The messages displayed will complement the additional awareness and visibility provided when the iconic Empire State Building is lit in yellow and blue. Afterschool supporters also will be lighting up local landmarks and buildings across the country that evening to show their support for afterschool programs.

To further support this nationwide effort, the afterschool-themed messages will also appear on Clear Channel Outdoor’s digital billboards in Los Angeles and at Boston’s South Station, culminating in a symbolic “Lights On” moment when more than 1,000 digital billboards freeze on one image on October 24 at 7 p.m.

“Quality afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help give working parents peace of mind that their children are safe and learning during the sometimes-perilous hours after the school day ends and before parents get home from work – and Clear Channel Outdoor’s support helps us illustrate the need for more resources so that, sometime soon, every child will have access to an afterschool program,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant.

“The National League of Cities is proud to uplift Lights On Afterschool again this year,” said Clarence E. Anthony, National League of Cities (NLC) CEO and executive director. “As Lights On Afterschool celebrates its 20th anniversary, NLC is also celebrating nearly 20 years of working with cities, towns and villages to advance afterschool learning opportunities. Local leaders have long been champions of afterschool programming – they see the positive impact these programs have on families and communities every day.” This year, NLC is partnering with the Afterschool Alliance to encourage mayors to light up their city halls in honor of Lights On Afterschool.

“We understand the importance and economic value of providing all children with quality learning opportunities after school ends,” said Aaron Philip Dworkin, CEO of the National Summer Learning Association. “That’s why we are proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Lights On Afterschool at our annual summer learning conference in Atlanta later this month. Together, we can keep all kids safe, healthy and engaged beyond the school day.”

October 24, 2019 is looking to be our brightest Lights On Afterschool yet! Don’t miss it—register your event, find a celebration near you, and light up the night with a landmark in your community.