October 27, 2026
Photos available for media use.
LANSING, Mich. – Hundreds of students and families gathered Monday evening in Detroit for a Lights On Afterschool event hosted by Sound Mind Sound Body (SMSB), highlighting the opportunities available to young people through learning, mentorship and enrichment beyond the traditional school day.
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) joined SMSB for the celebration featuring out-of-school time (OST) programming, financial aid resources and family-friendly activities, including a co-branded MiLEAP and Detroit Lions Mobile Marketing Unit, which provided students with interactive photo opportunities and a chance to make memories with their peers.
“Learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive director of MiLEAP. “Out-of-School time programs give students additional opportunities to explore their interests, build new skills and discover what’s possible for their futures. By connecting young people with enriching experiences and resources that support their goals, we can help them see a path forward and feel confident taking the next steps toward their future.”
Nearly 300 students were brought together from across the region – including Detroit, Harper Woods, Southfield and River Rouge – to take part in the event. The program featured a performance by the Levey Middle School band in Southfield, a cheer practice by the East English Village Preparatory Academy at Finney High School cheer team, and the unveiling of a mural created to highlight the Michigan Afterschool Partnership’s (MASP) All In Michigan campaign. The celebration underscored the importance of OST programs in providing young people with engaging experiences and supportive environments that contribute to their social, emotional, physical, and academic well-being.
“Out-of-school time is an essential part of how we support the whole child,” said Curtis Blackwell II, president of Sound Mind Sound Body Foundation and afterschool ambassador. “Our partnership with MASP and MiLEAP allows us to create opportunities that expose young people to new experiences, reinforce learning and provide safe, engaging environments where they can grow. Lights On gives us an opportunity to show that impact in action.”
The event reflects broader efforts to expand access to enriching opportunities for Michigan youth. The recently released MiLEAP Office of Education Partnerships Vision and Impact Report highlights that 108,966 children and youth were served through OST programs across 69 Michigan counties. These programs help students explore interests, build skills and strengthen connections with peers, mentors and their communities.
“Out-of-school-time programs play an important role in students’ lives, providing engaging spaces where they can learn, build relationships and develop skills beyond the classroom,” said Rawlan Lillard II, deputy director of the Office of Education Partnerships at MiLEAP. “When schools, community organizations and families work together, we can help ensure young people have access to meaningful experiences and support that contribute to their growth and success.”
Hosted during Michigan College Month, the event also connected families with information about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and state scholarship programs that can make postsecondary education more affordable, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Community College Guarantee and Michigan Reconnect.
MiLEAP’s participation reflects the state’s commitment to supporting Michiganders from birth through postsecondary education and recognizing the role of learning opportunities beyond the classroom in preparing students to earn postsecondary credentials that lead to high-wage careers.
Read the Governor’s 2026 Lights On Afterschool proclamation.
Learn more about the Office of Education Partnerships' work and its impact on Michian children, youth and families in their 2026 Vision and Impact Report.
###
About MiLEAP:
Established by Gov. Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP ensures every Michigander has a path to prosperity from birth to earning a postsecondary credential that leads to high-wage careers. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.
About SMSB:
Sound Mind Sound Body's (SMSB) mission is to improve annual student persistence rates, increase high school graduation rates, and increase enrollment in programs of postsecondary education. To learn more about SMSB, visit SMSBacademy.com.
Media Contact:
