SUPPORT OUR WORK
Make a Gift
It's simple. When you give to the Alaska Afterschool Network, you are investing in a better future through afterschool, before school, and summer programs! Thank you for making a difference in the lives of Alaska’s children and youth. On this page, you can explore ways and events to partner with us on or make an individual gift.
From our annual Alaska Out-of-School Time Conference for afterschool professionals to Lights On Afterschool, the nationwide celebration of all things afterschool, we know we cannot do our critical work for children and youth without the incredible help of sponsoring individuals and organizations.
Browse our event pages below to get a feel for each or contact us via phone at (907) 248-7378 so that we can help match you with the event or campaign that fits your organization perfectly!
Alaska Out-of-School Time Conference (November)
Each fall, the Alaska Afterschool Network, a program of Alaska Children’s Trust, convenes educators from across the state to enhance their skills for working with youth. Afterschool is a fabulous way for children and youth to build social and emotional skills, bolster their grades, participate in sports, and stay safe during the hours afterschool.
The Conference ensures that educators have the tools and skills they need to keep Alaska’s children and youth safe, healthy, and happy in afterschool.
Lights On Afterschool
(October)
Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event that celebrates and advocates for afterschool programs. The Alaska Afterschool Network is committed to raising awareness of the role afterschool, before-school, and summer learning programs play in ensuring our kids graduate from high school and are ready for the workforce.
On Thursday, October 23, 2025, programs across Alaska will celebrate Lights On Afterschool and showcase the incredible work that afterschool does in keeping kids safe, inspiring youth to grow, and giving parents peace of mind. Lights On Afterschool events, like afterschool programs, come in all shapes and sizes, from public rallies to open houses to newsletters.
Afterschool Professionals Week
(April)
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. The week is marked by celebrations, public relations, and advocacy efforts encouraging appreciation and support for afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of youth.
Each year, the Alaska Afterschool Network uses this week to highlight Afterschool Superheroes for their dedication to working with youth during out-of-school hours. You can explore the bios of past Afterschool Heroes to learn more about their work here!
Summer Learning Week
(July)
High quality summer programs can improve academics, boost attendance, and raise graduation rates. Summers without quality learning opportunities put Alaska’s youth at risk for losing ground in academics in core subjects like math and reading. Students can lose up to two months’ worth of learning from the previous school year when their minds aren’t engaged during the summer vacation. In Alaska, 31% of families say at least one child attended a summer program in 2019.
Alaska summers are packed with opportunities for adventure, wonder, and learning. This period is a critical time to engage Alaska’s youth in academic and enriching programs. To highlight the importance of summer learning, the Alaska Afterschool Network provides programs with tools to engage youth, families, communities, and local policy makers in National Summer Learning Week.
