Lights On Afterschool

A Celebration of Afterschool Programs Rising to the Moment

Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.

Prime Time Palm Beach County is calling attention to local afterschool professionals, programs and who went above and beyond during 2019-2020. The pictures, quotes and videos below were provided by afterschool professionals who have dedicated themselves to increasing quality at their programs by investing in their professional growth. Through Prime Time scholarships and financial incentives these afterschool superstars obtained their college degrees, credentials and certifications specific to the youth development field.

CALL TO ACTION: To help in bringing awareness to the need for afterschool programs that serve millions of children nationwide who are unsupervised and at risk each weekday afternoon, Prime Time encourages lawmakers, businesses and Palm Beach County residents to support afterschool funding by reaching out to Congress. The nation’s federal FY2021 budget eliminates 21^st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) funding for before-school, afterschool and summer learning programs. Click here to take one minute to fill out a pre-filled letter to U.S. House and Senate urge them to fund 21^st Century Community Learn Centers at the $1.35 billion level and reject any cuts to the program.

Prime Time wants to place the spotLIGHT on your afterschool program by sharing your Lights On Afterschool celebration. Tag us on social media and let us highlight you in our next e-newsletter.. 

Committed to Keeping the Lights On

Latoya Taylor

“With the support of Prime Time, I have set and reached both character and academic goals.  I learned how to become more structured and self-disciplined as a person while also being well educated, aiming for higher academic opportunities.  Prime Time’s assistance has helped me pave a path for my future that I am overwhelmingly grateful for.” 

Frank Verney 

“Getting my Associate Degree in Human Services has been a hard fought battle.  I first started when I was 19 and shortly after gave up on college.  When I started with the City of West Palm Beach and saw Prime Time was giving scholarships, I said “why not”.  I started with my 40 Hours and am now finally finished and really excited for my future.  It has been such a journey to get this degree and it helped me face my fear of math.  Now I am in my first semester of the Bachelor’s program and I can’t wait to get that.  Thanks again Prime Time.”

Tiffany Faver 

“After struggling through my first couple semesters in college, Prime Time provided an opportunity for me to study what I was truly passionate about.  Since continuing my education I have advanced from an Afterschool Counselor, to an Activity Leader, an Assistant Director, and soon to be accepting a Director position.  Thank  you Prime Time!”

Clavondrea Francis 

“I am very proud to receive my Associate Degree with the help of Prime Time.  Receiving my Associate Degree has impacted my life in various ways with my job and my personal life.  Continuing my education with the help of Prime Time will assist with my future career. I am very grateful!”

Adam Mohammed 

“I am grateful to Prime Time for giving me the ability to pursue my passion for providing quality out-of-school time to teens.”

Lorena Diaz 

“I feel grateful for the opportunity to get my educational goals met.  Now, I am more prepared to guide the youth I work with to become the future leaders of my community, this country, and the world. Thank you for everything Prime Time!”

Stacy McEachern 

“Having been a part of the Human Services-Youth Development program for my A.S. degree has been monumental in my professional career in the afterschool field. The knowledge and experience I gained as well as the incredible professors and fellow practitioners who mentored me throughout my journey have been some of the biggest takeaways that I will treasure always. This program grounded me in my beliefs and values for the afterschool profession and fueled my desire to complete the Bachelor’s degree next!”

Gabrielle Payne 

“I am delighted that I was able to accomplish my goal of completing my Associate Degree in Human Services-Youth Development Concentration.  This has been an amazing experience and I am so grateful for the assistance from Prime Time of Palm Beach County.  I would surely recommend anyone who would like to further their education in youth development to take advantage of this great opportunity.”

Katerina Petosa 

“I am grateful to Prime Time for providing me the opportunity to grow and learn and to be the first of my immediate family to earn a college degree. All the while providing tools in becoming the best version of myself and the best leader I can be for our children.”

Mary Page Lewis 

“I am so grateful to Prime Time for the scholarship for the Human Services-Youth Development degree! The classes I took helped me to better organize our program and influence leadership in others!  It helped us improve our program 100%!”

Jamora Matthews

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to expand my education through Prime Time!  Throughout the process, I have been blessed to have such wonderful support from the Prime Time staff, my advisor, and my school family.  I am excited to continue learning and reach my next educational goal.”

Daniella Santoyo

“I am so grateful for the excellent opportunity I was given to achieve my educational goals through Prime Time’s scholarship. Finishing my degree and working with youth have been a lifelong dream. Being able to make a positive difference in a youth’s life has always been very important to me. I have gained the necessary skills and knowledge to feel confident in my abilities. I look forward to continuing further in my education, maybe a Master’s in Human Services/Youth Development awaits me!”

Ronika Pugh

“My experience was challenging yet rewarding.  Thank you, Prime Time and Faith’s Place for providing me with the opportunity to obtain my Associate Degree.”

Sarah Zepeda

“The journey to obtain my Associate’s Degree came with ups and downs, but it also came with new knowledge, experiences, opportunities, and friendships.  Next adventure, bachelor’s degree.”

Jessica Rossiny

“I have so much fun being an out-of-school time practitioner. I love being able to interact with people.”