Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley has issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 23, 2025, “Lights On Afterschool Day” in the City of Flint, joining communities nationwide in celebrating the vital role of afterschool programs in supporting children, families, and neighborhoods. The national Lights On Afterschool! campaign highlights the important role afterschool programs play in the lives of children, families, and communities and draws attention to the need for more afterschool programs to serve the millions of children nationwide who are unsupervised each weekday afternoon.
The day is being celebrated by the Flint Center for Educational Excellence ‘s Thrive Afterschool program. “Afterschool programs are more than extensions of the school day—they are spaces where young people explore their interests, develop their talents, and envision their role in shaping Flint’s future,” said Dr. Ja’Nel Jamerson, president and CEO of the Flint Center for Educational Excellence. “Mayor Neeley’s recognition of Lights On Afterschool Day shines a light on the pivotal role these programs play in keeping students safe, inspired, and connected to caring adults who help them discover their full potential.”
Thrive Afterschool is an evidence-based program provided at no cost to families through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. Offered at 13 area schools, the program offers Flint kids a well-rounded experience that combines engaging enrichment activities with academic support to promote school success.
“The Mott Foundation is pleased to support afterschool programs for Flint kids, as well as national organizations and a 50 State Network that are working to expand access to high-quality afterschool programs for all kids,” said Ridgway White, Mott president and CEO. “Such experiences help young people build life skills, boost academic performance and support families, setting students up for success in school and life. We hope the public-private partnerships that help make afterschool a reality for kids in Flint and nationwide will continue well into the future.”
“Lights On Afterschool Day is a powerful reminder of the critical role afterschool programs play in shaping the future of our children and our city. Thrive Afterschool is more than a program—it’s a lifeline that keeps our youth safe, engaged, and inspired. By investing in these enriching experiences, we’re building stronger families, more resilient neighborhoods, and a brighter future for Flint,” said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley.
Across Flint, Thrive Afterschool sites will celebrate Lights On Afterschool Day alongside hundreds of programs nationwide. Each school will host activities that showcase student creativity, family engagement, and community pride designed to highlight the benefits of afterschool learning. These events not only highlight the enriching opportunities available to students but also connect families, educators, and community partners who make these programs possible.
Since its launch, Thrive Afterschool has engaged 3,533 students across Flint. An independent evaluation of the Thrive Afterschool initiative found that students who participated attended school more regularly and demonstrated stronger academic growth on district interim assessments than their peers who did not participate. Analysis of district interim assessments revealed a statistically significant and positive link between participation in Thrive Afterschool and improved performance on the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) assessment. Notably, students who entered the program scoring below their peers on these tests not only closed the gap but finished the year ahead, illustrating the power of sustained, high-quality afterschool experiences to accelerate learning and build confidence.
The Flint Center for Educational Excellence is building an educational ecosystem that works for all Flint kids by providing programs, research, and advocacy that ensure Flint kids, their families, schools, and communities thrive. We accomplish this through a cross-sector partnership to create a cradle-to-career support network connecting people, ideas and resources in tangible ways that strengthen our community through the power of collaboration.
