Launched in October 2000, Lights On After School is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. Mercer University’s MerServe student volunteers participate in the annual National Lights on After School Event by hosting fun and engaging art, STEM, and sports activities throughout local elementary and middle schools. All students need do is form a team of 2 or more and select their activity. Past activities have included face painting, corn hole, slime making, and cookie decorating.

This year, MerServe chose the Kings Park Community Center, in East Macon, Ga, and the students in its After School Program as the site for the student volunteers to hold this year’s Lights on After School Event. STEM activities, fun, games and snacks were provided by MerServe.

The parnership between Mercer University, the Kings Park Community Neighborhood Association and the Kings Park Community residents was developed last year through a collaboration formed by Kelvin Middleton, of MGB Inc. and Lauren Shinholster, of Mercer University, that also provides an after-school “Empower Hour” volunteer student tutors, 3 days/week, at the Kings Park Community Center, in East Macon.