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Lights On Afterschool
November 8, 2025 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm AKST
Mat-Su Celebrates Afterschool Programs November 8
Lights On Afterschool to Feature Teen and Parent Panels, Community Partners and More
Mat-Su – On Saturday, November 8, Youth 360 will join the 26th annual Lights On Afterschool celebration, a nationwide series of more than 8,000 events for afterschool organized by the Afterschool Alliance that is expected to reach over a million people.
The Lights On Afterschool event, to be held at the Teeland Middle School, will feature panels on teen education, teen safety, vaping and the power of afterschool activities. The day will conclude with insightful panels from teens and parents.
What: Youth 360 Lights On Afterschool Event. Parents can take part in workshops while youth grades K-12 enjoy games and activities hosted by Thrive Mat-Su. The event is open-house style, people can come for one session or stay for the whole day.
Workshops Include:
Starting the Conversation: Keeping Your Teen Safe on the Internet – Palmer Police Department – A practical discussion on cyber safety and what parents should know.
Together for Success: Staying Connected with Your Teen’s Education – Laura Richardson, MSBSD – Tips for communicating with teachers, using district tools, and supporting your teen at school.
Vaping and What Parents Need to Know – Rebecca Cole, American Lung Association – Learn how to recognize common vaping devices and talk with teens about them.
Keeping Kids Connected: The Power of Afterschool Activities – Afterschool Ambassador Tyler Healy, Youth 360 – Explore local data on youth engagement and why activities matter.
The day will conclude with two insightful panel discussions:
Teen Panel: Local teens share what it’s like growing up in the Mat-Su Valley and how families can support them.
Parent Panel: Conversations on safe dating, building resilience, managing friendships, and connecting with other parents.
Plus: Free Admission and Door Prizes.
When: 10:00am – 2:00pm, Saturday, November 8, 2025
Where: Teeland Middle School, 2788 N. Seward Meridian Pkwy, Wasilla, AK 99654
Who: Youth 360 and partner organizations: Thrive Mat-Su, Matanuska-Susitna, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, along with more than 20 community booths with local programs and resources for families.
Event Contact: Kim Hayes
Contact email: kim@prsolutionsdc.com
Contact phone number: (202) 609-9876
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