Westchester County Youth Bureau Celebrates National Lights On Afterschool

Joins with Community Partner to Highlight Impacts of Afterschool Programming

The Westchester County Youth Bureau joined with the Port Chester Carver Center to celebrate Lights On Afterschool, the annual initiative highlighting the vital role of afterschool programs in keeping students safe and engaged, and in supporting working families. On October 22nd, local youth-serving organizations across the country and here in Westchester will celebrate “Lights On” with special programs for students and families.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “When we invest in programming to keep kids safe and engaged afterschool, we are investing in the success of Westchester’s families. In order for families to thrive, parents need to understand that they can go to work knowing that their children are going to be in good hands after the last school bell rings. Lights On Afterschool reminds us of the vital role these programs play -- from academic support to sports, arts, STEM, and mentorship, in nurturing students both inside and outside the classroom. Our Westchester County Youth Bureau and local Youth Bureaus work hand-in-hand with partner organizations to support quality, safe and supervised afterschool programs that promote social, emotional, physical and educational well-being.”

Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden said: “In today’s fast-paced world, families are balancing busy schedules, young people are navigating growing academic and social challenges and communities are working to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. Each year, Lights On Afterschool brings people and communities across the nation together to celebrate the incredible difference afterschool and youth-serving programs make in the lives of children, families, and communities. It represents hope, resilience and a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for every child to learn, grow and thrive beyond the school bell.”

Port Chester Carver Center Chief Executive Officer Anne Bradner said: “Port Chester Carver Center is proud to celebrate Lights On Afterschool alongside the many Westchester organizations that support children and families during the critical after-school hours. We’re grateful to our partners in Westchester County government who make this work possible. Each year, Carver Center serves more than 1,000 Port Chester students through our no- and low-cost programs. Our elementary after-school program, run on-site at all four elementary schools in close partnership with the Port Chester School District, costs families just $100 a year, saving our community an estimated $4.1 million in childcare costs annually. And through our Teen Center and Workforce Development programs, older students build the skills that will launch them into adulthood.”

Below is a sampling of the Lights On Afterschool 2026 events around the County. Contact your local youth-serving organizations for additional activities:

Greenburgh - Junior Knicks Training Day
Date/Time: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Location: Theodore D. Young Community Center (TDYCC), 32 Manhattan Ave, White Plains, NY 10607

Mount Vernon — Keeping the Lights on Our Youth
Date/Time: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 3:30–6:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Plaza, 1 Roosevelt Square, Mount Vernon, NY 10550

New Rochelle —
Lights On Afterschool - Halfway to Earth Day Fall Festival
Date/Time: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Location: Ward Acres Park, 300 Broadfield Rd, New Rochelle, NY 10804

YMCA Kidz Club Afterschool Program
Date/Time: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Location: 50 Weyman Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10805

Ossining — Fun Interactive Activities for Kids
Date/Time: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 3:00–5:30 p.m.
Location: Anne M. Dorner Middle School, 100 Van Cortlandt Ave, Ossining, NY 10562

Peekskill — Lights On Afterschool Festival
Date/Time: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Location: Peekskill Youth Bureau, 828 Main Street, Peekskill, NY 10566

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