NCS centers with youth programs will hold special events in October in honor of the 26th annual Lights On Afterschool, a national rally for after school programs sponsored by the non-profit Afterschool Alliance. This year’s Lights On Afterschool observance is Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. 

The Afterschool Alliance, an advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality after-school programs, announced that after-school programs will hold thousands of events nationwide to highlight the ways after-school programs support student success. According to the Afterschool Alliance, some 8,000 after-school programs will take part in this year's Lights On Afterschool.

NCS offers School Age Child Care (SACC), Teen Centers and other youth programs at community centers and school locations throughout Fairfax County. For the 2025-26 school year, NCS has launched Beyond the Bell, a child care pilot program at 20 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) elementary schools. Beyond the Bell will expand opportunities for safe, affordable and high-quality child care for county families.

All NCS programs provide a safe, structured environment for promoting social connections, commitment to learning, health, wellness and individual growth. Programs run on school days, as well as summer, spring and winter breaks.

SACC and BTB fees are based on household income. Many of the other programs are free.

 A large body of evidence demonstrates improvements in grades, school attendance, behavior and more among children who participate in after-school programs, says the Afterschool Alliance.

Researchers have also found that students in after-school programs are more engaged in school and excited about learning and develop critical work and life skills such as problem solving, teamwork, and communications, according to the Afterschool Alliance.

To learn more about NCS programs for children and teens, visit this NCS website.