NC Center for Afterschool Programs

10/13/2026

Get ready for Lights On Afterschool!

Join NC CAP, Afterschool Alliance and communities across the country in celebrating the 27th . This year's event will take place Thursday, October 22.

Want to participate? You can:

🥳Hold an event and celebrate with students. Afterschool programs shine bright by hosting open houses, rallies, carnivals, student showcases, and more. Register your event by 10/8 to get your 10 free posters before October 22.

💡Light up your community. Light up a landmark, memorial, or building in honor of Lights On. Organize a walking art show or a car or bike parade. Spread the message of Lights On by displaying yard signs throughout the community. Encourage programs, families, and businesses to showcase lightbulb art in their windows.

Tell us how you plan to celebrate by registering your event: https://loa.afterschoolalliance.org/accounts/signup/

10/09/2026

⏰ TODAY!!!

Reminder that today, Oct. 9 NCDPI will host the second Technical Assistance Webinar series for the newly launched Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Cohort 19 Competition for the 2027–2028 school year!

Public School Units (PSUs) and Non-PSU organizations—including Non-Profits (NPOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), For-Profit entities, Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), and City/Local Governments are strongly encouraged to attend:
https://ncgov.webex.com/wbxmjs/joinservice/sites/ncgov/meeting/download/320869f9c098456c96fa0ddc3b4f30cf?MTID=mef0576a9e68972ba38457acd098cc291

Learn more about the chance to earn between $50,000 to $500,000 per year, depending on community need, scope, target student population, and program design.

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10/08/2026

Have you been waiting to see who our Synergy speakers are before you sign up for this year's conference? The wait is over!

Speakers for Synergy have now been confirmed and include exciting presentations like:

🤔 “Igniting Curiosity: Hands-On STEM & Facilitation Strategies for Afterschool Programs”, Popi Makris, Coach and Founder, STEM Kids NC
🔨 “15 TOOLS in 75 MINUTES: Free Resource To Raise Your Youth Engagement Game!”, Eric Rowles, CEO, Leading To Change
🔎 “Scientist Maker: Creating the Next Generation of Critical Thinkers”, Rachael Polmanteer, Associate Director, The Center for Inquiry-Based Learning
👏 “ : Advocacy Strategies for Afterschool Providers”, Chris Neitzey, Senior Director of State Policy, Afterschool Alliance

Learn more about the speakers and sessions that will be at this exciting event, then sign up today!

Registration is Open for Synergy 2026! Registration is officially open for Synergy 2026! Join North Carolina’s most forward-thinking afterschool leaders for two days of collaborative learning. Whether you are an afterschool provider, a business leader, an educator, or a policymaker, your voice is ...

09/30/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE! 🚨

Want to get your organization or business in front of hundreds of North Carolina’s top afterschool and community leaders? 🤝

We are currently accepting vendor applications for the Synergy 2026 Conference! By exhibiting with us in Raleigh this November, you’ll get a dedicated booth, conference registration, and direct access to decision-makers in the expanded learning space.

⏳ Vendor Application Deadline: TODAY! September 30
🔗 Learn more and apply to exhibit: https://ncafterschool.org/synergy-conference-2026/

09/29/2026

Lights on Afterschool is coming up and we're getting ready to celebrate you and all of the amazing work you do for North Carolina's youth and communities! This hallmark event is a pillar of the afterschool movement and your involvement is critical as we work together to shine a light on the critical role of afterschool and OST programs.

Curious how to get involved? The Afterschool Alliance has put together a checklist of opportunities for you: https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loaChecklist.cfm

Check it out to see how you can get involved today!

09/25/2026

TODAY'S YOUR LAST DAY!

Don't miss the chance to celebrate North Carolina's afterschool providers. The deadline for our annual afterschool champions is TODAY, SEPT 25.
https://forms.gle/BaP5jAHeEFQUDduE8

Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge and honor the outstanding professionals who are making a substantial difference in the lives of children and families through their work in afterschool and OST programs. Your nominations play a crucial role in highlighting their contributions and inspiring others to recognize the importance of afterschool and OST opportunities in our communities.

09/25/2026

ICYMI: Last week, NC CAP gathered afterschool professionals, educators, mental health providers, and young people in a Virtual Roundtable on Social Media Accountability!

ICYMI: Last week, NC CAP gathered afterschool professionals, educators, mental health providers, and young people in a Virtual Roundtable on Social Media Accountability!

The recording is now available:
https://youtu.be/ksskiD9KPik?si=5NxseeD-MYJfetL4

Watch now to hear the NC Department of Justice and panelists discuss the recent Meta settlement and the opportunity we have to invest in out-of-school time programs and accessible mental health supports to help our youth thrive.

🤝 Want more updates? Join the Fund IRL NC Coalition here: bit.ly/joinfundirlnc

In August 2026, North Carolina, along with 46 other states, reached...

09/23/2026

🚨 DEADLINE SEPT 25! 🚨
Reminder, the deadline to submit your nomination for a NC Afterschool Champion is fast approaching!

Make sure you fill out the form below by SEPTEMBER 25 to celebrate the amazing afterschool providers in your life.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkqGT8PDF6cImseQljykikOfJqSd3BO6wk1oLOGZL9PMmyRg/viewform?usp=header

09/18/2026

🚨 DEADLINE SEPT 25! 🚨

Our annual Synergy Conference is coming up and we’re excited for this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions of afterschool and out-of-school-time (OST) professionals across North Carolina.

The Afterschool Champions Award seeks to honor the individual afterschool providers who have made significant impacts in the field of afterschool and OST programs, whether they’re just starting out in their careers or seasoned professionals.

Please take a moment to complete the Afterschool Champions Award nomination form to recognize an afterschool provider in your life.

Award applications due Sept 25!

09/15/2026

Registration is officially open for Synergy 2026! 🎉

Join North Carolina’s most forward-thinking afterschool leaders, educators, and community stakeholders for two days of collaborative learning. This year’s theme is Afterschool At Work: Paving the Way for North Carolina’s Future!

We will be diving deep into how afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs are a vital workforce solution for NC. Whether you are an afterschool provider, a business leader, or a policymaker, your voice is essential to shaping the future of our youth.

🗓 When: November 19–20, 2026
📍 Where: McKimmon Conference and Training Center (Raleigh, NC)
🎟 Register here: https://ncafterschool.org/synergy-conference/

Let's build a brighter future for North Carolina's students and working families together!