Elmhurst student Sarah Ramírez wins national Lights On Afterschool competition that received over 1 million submissions

Their design will be printed on 50,000 posters and displayed at over 8,000 Lights On Afterschool events held in every state on and around Oct. 22. 

Ramirez’s artwork features illuminated hands on a desk surrounded by art supplies, crafts, and a basketball, created to shine a light on the diverse range of activities students pursue in afterschool programs.

Lights on Afterschool, now in its 27th year, is organized by the Afterschool Alliance to celebrate the impact afterschool programs have on children, families and communities. It also highlights the need for more investment in afterschool programs. 

Each year, there are over 8,000 Lights On Afterschool events that take place across the country at schools, parks, community centers, museums, 4-Hs, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs and other venues. American singer Usher is the honorary chair of Lights On Afterschool for the third consecutive year.

Ramírez, a ninth grader at Queens School of Inquiry, said they drew from their experiences in the SAYA afterschool program to create their winning design. 

SAYA is a youth development organization providing holistic, impactful, year-round programming to underserved New York City youth. Ramirez first joined the program’s art club as a sixth grader and is now in their third year as a participant. They are currently part of SAYA’s ARISE program, which teaches young people to become advocates for their communities.

Ramírez said spaces like these are critical for young people to grow and thrive, ensuring everyone has access to every opportunity available to learn about themselves and express their interests. 

“My afterschool program serves as a vital third space for teens, providing food, technology and games, books, art supplies and more,” they said. “I wanted to highlight those opportunities in my Lights On Afterschool poster design. My teachers and mentors at SAYA have truly helped me grow as an artist, and I’m proud to use those skills to send the message that every student should have access to a quality afterschool program.”

Studies show that afterschool programs lead to improvements in grades, school attendance and behavior among children who participate in them. Researchers have also found that students in afterschool programs are more engaged in school and excited about learning, developing work and life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and communication.

According to Griselda Estevez, senior director of programs at SAYA, Ramírez’s design skillfully illustrates the power of afterschool programs in unlocking students’ potential.

At SAYA, she continued, they work every day to help students find their voices and grow into leaders. She said they are incredibly proud of Ramírez’s accomplishment. 

“Our whole SAYA community is thrilled that their powerful work will be showcased in communities all over the country as the nation comes together to call for more investment for afterschool programs,” Estevez said. “No student should be without a safe, supportive place to explore their interests and connect with mentors and peers when the school day ends.”

Jodi Grant, executive director of Afterschool Alliance, noted that demand for afterschool programs is enormous. She said there isn’t nearly enough investment in them, however, meaning millions of students miss out on their benefits. 

Ramirez’s artwork, she continued, helps celebrate all the ways afterschool programs support students and communities, as well as rally for more support so every student can access a quality program.

“Sarah’s fantastic artwork shines a powerful light on the myriad of opportunities for hands-on exploration that afterschool programs provide,” Grant said. “Afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and give working parents peace of mind.”

For more information about Afterschool Alliance, visit AfterschoolAlliance.org.