Shining a light on learning beyond the classroom
Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide movement that shines a light on the importance of safe, engaging spaces for young people, especially at a time when those opportunities matter more than ever. It’s a celebration of the people and programs that help students keep learning, explore new interests, and feel connected beyond the classroom. This October, CYC school sites—including Dianne Feinstein, Garfield, George Moscone, and Redding Elementary Schools, Aptos Middle School, and Balboa and San Francisco International High Schools—joined the celebration with events that highlight what we do best: giving students room to create, discover, and build unity.
Belonging and connection
At Aptos Middle School, students recently celebrated Halo Halo Ween, an event that combined Filipino American History Month and Lights On Afterschool. The afternoon featured food, games, and activities that brought students and staff together in a shared celebration of community.
Program Leader Muriel Shatuck said her favorite part was “watching students get excited about things they didn’t know they’d be excited about.” For Assistant Site Coordinator Casey Gapal, the most meaningful part of the work is building relationships with students. “They feel like they can come to me with anything, and that is really special.”
The day reflected what afterschool programs are all about, offering young people what they need most: a safe place to learn, connect, and feel they belong once the school day ends.
Creativity and growth
The sense of belonging at Aptos is one example of afterschool’s impact. At Balboa High School, that same energy comes to life through exploration and personal growth.
Afterschool programs give families peace of mind and offer students meaningful opportunities to keep learning through academic support, hands-on projects, and activities that spark curiosity and imagination.
At Balboa, students recently lit up the campus with a Rapunzel-themed lantern festival featuring crafts, screen printing, and a photo booth. The event captured what makes afterschool time meaningful: a space where students can relax, express themselves, and feel part of something bigger.
Sammy, a Balboa student who has been part of CYC for four years, shared, “I’ve made so many friends here—I don’t know where I’d be without this afterschool space and the memories it’s given me.”
Discovery and family engagement
Beyond academics, after-school programs connect young people with technology, mentors, and social-emotional learning that help them build confidence and imagine new possibilities for themselves.
At Dianne Feinstein Elementary, families gathered for a STEAM showcase where students presented projects and experiments they’d worked on throughout the year. Gianna, a student participant, shared, “My favorite part is getting to do hands-on projects and play with the CYC staff—it always makes my week.”
Across other sites like Garfield and Redding Elementary, students took the lead on literacy games and creative activity stations that invited families to join in, turning learning into something shared, and full of joy.
Lighting the path forward
Lights On Afterschool is a reminder of why afterschool programs matter. They keep doors open for learning, discovery, and connection long after the final bell rings. Support our Heart of the Holidays campaign to help keep the lights on for San Francisco’s youth and ensure every child has a place to shine.