Governor Stein Proclaims Lights On Afterschool Day

Lights On Afterschool Day

2025

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, quality afterschool programs provide safe and engaging learning experiences that help children realize their full potential; support working families by ensuring their children are safe and productive when they are out of their classrooms; and engage families, schools, and community partners in advancing the welfare of our children; and

Whereas, quality afterschool programs build stronger communities by involving students, parents, business leaders, and adult volunteers in the lives of young people, thereby promoting positive relationships among youth, families, and adults; and

Whereas, afterschool programs continue to provide innovative hands-on opportunities for youth to reengage in their learning and connect with caring adults and peers in a safe and supportive environment; and

Whereas, the demand for afterschool programs continues to grow; for every child in a program in North Carolina, five are waiting to get in, and many afterschool programs face operating challenges so severe that they are forced to consider closing their doors and turning off their lights; and

Whereas, the State of North Carolina is committed to the education and well-being of our youth and recognizes that quality afterschool programs prepare children to become successful adults and help our community thrive; and

Whereas, Lights On Afterschool, the national celebration of afterschool programs held this year on October 23, 2025, promotes the importance of quality afterschool programs for our children, families, and communities;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 23, 2025, as “Lights On Afterschool Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all citizens.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this seventeenth day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-fifth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.