Every year, the Afterschool Alliance selects Out-of-School Time (OST) professionals to serve as Afterschool Ambassadors. Each Ambassador will organize a major event for Lights on Afterschool (October 26, 2023), the Afterschool Alliance's annual rally for afterschool. For 2023, the Afterschool Alliance has chosen 16 OST rockstars from across the nation, including Virginia's very own Michelle Simpson.

Simpson is the Youth Development Director for Alternatives World Changers Leadership Team. Comprised of middle and high school students, the program inspires and prepares young people to meet with policy makers, stakeholders, delegates, members of Congress, school board members, and city officials to use their voices to promote change and encourage a growth mindset for all generations.

“We are absolutely delighted that Michelle Simpson will serve as a 2023 Afterschool Ambassador,” Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant said. “While students and families need afterschool and summer learning programs more than ever, programs are facing significant challenges including staff shortages, funding shortfalls, and finding ways to meet the academic and social needs of students as they recover from the challenges the pandemic created. We need strong, creative champions to spread the word about the essential role afterschool programs play in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn, and giving parents peace of mind that their children are safe and supervised after the school day ends. Simpson is poised to be just the kind of powerful advocate we need.”

To learn more about Lights on Afterschool, Afterschool Alliance, and the rest of the selected Ambassadors, click here.