Arlington Students Take Center Stage At Afterschool Celebration

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington students will showcase their afterschool learning this month with STEM demonstrations, debate, live music, and food at a community celebration at Arlington Mill Community Center.

Aspire Afterschool Learning will host its Lights On Afterschool celebration from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, on the third floor of the community center located at 909 S. Dinwiddie St.

What's Planned

Students will showcase work and activities from Aspire's after-school programs, including:

• STEM projects
• Debate
• Nutrition activities
• A performance by the Aspire rock band
• A "Junior Masterchef" competition, with the winning recipe available for attendees to taste
• Light refreshments

The event is expected to bring together Aspire students and families with Arlington County School Board members and elected officials, business representatives, community leaders and other supporters.

Part Of Nationwide Celebration

The Arlington event is part of the 27th annual Lights On Afterschool initiative, a nationwide effort organized by the Afterschool Alliance to highlight afterschool programs and the role they play for students and families.

This year's celebration comes as demand for afterschool programs continues to exceed availability. According to the Afterschool Alliance, parents of 29.6 million children want access to afterschool programs, while fewer than 7 million children are enrolled. Cost and accessibility are among the barriers preventing families from participating.

The Arlington event is open to the public, but registration is requested.