Governor McMaster proclaims Lights on Afterschool Day in South Carolina
October 21, 2025
State joins national celebration recognizing afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire learning, and support working families
Governor Henry McMaster has officially proclaimed October 23, 2025, as “Lights On Afterschool Day” in South Carolina, joining thousands of communities across the nation in celebrating the vital role of afterschool programs in helping children learn, grow, and thrive.
The proclamation affirms the state’s commitment to supporting expanded learning opportunities that keep students safe, strengthen families, and build brighter futures. Governor McMaster notes “the citizens of South Carolina stand firmly committed to quality afterschool programs and opportunities because they provide safe and engaging learning experiences that help children realize their full potential while supporting their academic growth and well-being.”
“This proclamation shines a powerful light on the importance of afterschool programs to South Carolina’s future,” said Zelda Waymer, President and CEO of the South Carolina Afterschool Alliance (SCAA). “Afterschool programs don’t just keep kids safe — they ignite curiosity, nurture talent, and connect learning to real-world opportunities that prepare young people for success.”
The Governor also emphasized the broad impact of afterschool investments, recognizing in the proclamation that “for every child in an afterschool program, four are waiting to get in,” and highlighting that these programs “build stronger communities by involving students, parents, businesses, and volunteers in the lives of young people.”
“Our children’s success is South Carolina’s success, and by investing in afterschool and summer programs, we’re investing in the workforce, the economy, and the wellbeing of our communities.” said Waymer, “These programs thrive because of strong partnerships among schools, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers who share one goal — ensuring every child has access to quality learning beyond the school day.”
The proclamation coincides with the nationwide Lights On Afterschool campaign, an annual event led by the Afterschool Alliance with more than 8,000 celebrations nationwide. South Carolina’s celebration included the SC STEM Extravaganza, where over 1,000 students recently gathered at Segra Park for hands-on STEM activities that connected learning to innovation and career inspiration.
To read the full proclamation and learn more about afterschool programs, visit www.scafterschool.com.
South Carolina Afterschool Alliance (SCAA) is a partnership among state government agencies, municipal leaders, foundations, higher education, business leaders, the arts community, local school districts, after school program providers and other critical stakeholders joining together to form a supportive statewide network for after-school and summer learning programs. SCAA works with its partners to raise awareness, increase sustainability, and promote the importance of quality afterschool programs.
