For over two decades, the afterschool and out-of-school time field has come together each October to celebrate Lights On Afterschool. 

This annual event helps illuminate the importance of and impact afterschool programming has on children and youth. Often being an afterthought, afterschool programs provide a safe and nurturing place for thousands of children across Connecticut. Each day nationally, 7.6 million children go home alone afterschool. 

Recognition Awards

Individuals or programs eligible for this award are Frontline Staff, Program or Center Directors, Site Coordinators, School Administrators, and School Teachers who work for or with afterschool/out-of-school time programs that serve youth in grades K-12.

Submission deadline: September 20, 2024. Submit your nomination here.

During our LOA Celebration, our mission is to celebrate the out-of-school time field in Connecticut. We recognize individuals and encourage them to participate through local events including lighting up city landscapes, inviting state officials or celebrate the accomplishments of their program to broaden the awareness of the field and the critical role it plays in overall youth development and success. 

Join us on October 4th for our 3rd Lights On Afterschool Event. This year’s theme is CONNECT! A day full of activities and all about YOU the Out of School Time Professional. FREE to attend. Pre-registration is required. Participants will receive lunch, t-shirt and more.

Schedule of Events (subject to change)

• 9:30 – 10:00 AM Check-in/Networking
• 10:00 – 10:45 AM Opening Remarks/Keynote
• 11:00 – 12:15 PM Exploration Sessions, two 30-minute sessions (sign up required)

  • 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM 1st Session
  • 11:30 – 11:45 AM Vendors/travel time to next session
  • 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM 2nd Session

• 12:15 – 12:45 PM Lunch/Relaxation Stations
• 12:45 – 1:15 PM Recognition Awards
• 1:15 – 2:00 PM Relaxation Stations/Ice Cream

Keynote – Katie Wood, The Storms of Life

I get very vulnerable and relatable as I share a personal story of when I was in a very dark place in life and how I came out of it. I intend to help remind the audience that life will forever have ups and downs and when you learn how to handle the “downs” by re-shifting your focus to gratitude and a positive mindset, everything changes. 

I walk everyone through an entertaining story of running the 2018 Boston Marathon in a monsoon (worst weather in Marathon history) for the hospital that saved my daughter’s life and sharing various lessons along the different mile markers along the race.  It focuses on letting go of expectations, embracing your blisters, having the right energy, facing your heartbreak hill, surrounding yourself with the right people, and encouraging others to find the joy in the Journey (of whatever you do!) 

1. When you can’t change your situation, you need to change your perspective and attitude about your situation.
2. Life is supposed to be an up-and-down journey and how gratitude, a positive attitude and intentional will help during difficult moments. 
3. When your WHY is big enough, you’ll find your HOW (for anything in life) 

Activity Exploration Sessions and Relaxation Stations

• To be determined

TERMS OF REGISTRATION

Submission of your registration authorizes the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth to publish in any format and use for promotional and educational purposes your name and any photos, videos, and audio recordings taken of you at this event.  It also authorizes the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth to contact you by mail, phone or email.  Please note the following Media Release.

Consent to Photograph, Film or Videotape Participants for Non-Profit use (e.g. educational, public service, or health awareness purposes)

As a conference participant, I acknowledge and grant permission to the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth to use my image (photographs and/or video) for use in Connecticut Network for Children and Youth publications including videos, email blasts, recruiting brochures, newsletters, and magazines and to use my image in electronic versions of the same publications or on the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth website or other electronic forms of media.

I hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs or electronic matter that may be used in conjunction with them now or in the future, whether that use is known to me or unknown, and I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of the image.