Afterschool Program (ASP) students, staff members and parents throughout the county will celebrate Lights on Afterschool October 26 with festivals, special programs, parties, and open houses. 
Launched in October 2000, Lights on Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their role in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn, and helping working families. The Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights on Afterschool to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things and discover new skills.
ASP students will mark the 18th anniversary of Lights on Afterschool with dance parties, talent shows, parent open houses, and festivals. Huddleston Elementary ASP students will show their enthusiasm for the program in a big way by drawing lightbulbs on painted rocks and laying them out in the shape of a lightbulb.
Every afternoon after the last bell rings, over 1,900 students in grades K-5 across all 14 of Fayette’s elementary schools stay at their schools to participate in the ASP where they are engaged in constructive activities that focus on academics, recreation, arts and crafts, and community service. The program supports students and their parents by giving students a safe and structured place to stay, and providing piece of mind to parents who are unable to be with their children after they get home from school.
The Fayette County ASP started in 1987 with nine elementary schools and 250 students. It now has an average daily attendance of 1,285 students, representing approximately 16 percent of the school system’s elementary student population. The ASP operates at all 14 elementary schools on days school is in session from the time of dismissal until 6:30 p.m.
