Lights on Afterschool

part of a national celebration of afterschool programs

Join us for an evening of conversation and insight into the power of high-quality out-of-school time. As part of the nationwide Lights On Afterschool initiative, this event brings together thought leaders, educators, and decision-makers to highlight how afterschool programs unlock opportunity for youth, support working families, and strengthen our communities.

This year’s event will take place at the City Club of Cleveland and feature a conversation with Ohio’s Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, Mansfield City School Superintendent Stan Jefferson, and Open Doors Academy CEO Dorothy Moulthrop, Ph.D. Together, they’ll explore the intersection of education, leadership, and youth development, offering timely reflections on the role of out-of-school time in shaping Ohio’s future.

This event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required.

Our Lights on Afterschool event is generously sponsored by RPM International Inc.

Register at the link above today.

Event Details

Wednesday, October 23, 2025
4:30–5:00 PM — Arrival and mingle
5:00–6:00 PM — Conversation + audience Q&A
6:00–6:30 PM — Reception
City Club of Cleveland | 1317 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH

Featured Speakers

Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel
Ohio’s Lt. Governor since February 2025, Jim Tressel is a longtime leader in education and workforce development. He previously served as president of Youngstown State University, where he oversaw major improvements in student success and campus growth. A former executive at the University of Akron and a proud graduate of Baldwin-Wallace and the University of Akron, Tressel brings decades of experience guiding young people toward opportunity - including a distinguished coaching career that included national championships at both Youngstown State and The Ohio State University.

Stan Jefferson
Stan Jefferson is Superintendent of Mansfield City Schools, where his leadership reflects decades of experience in education, coaching, and community service. He began his administrative career in Mansfield, serving as both principal and head football coach of Mansfield Senior High School. His coaching success led to recruitment by The Ohio State University, where he served as Director of Player Development under Coach Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer, supporting both athletic and academic excellence. After retiring from OSU, he co-founded an educational consultancy and later returned to Mansfield to lead the district as superintendent. Jefferson’s approach blends mentorship, instruction, and civic engagement - guided by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to serve others. He is a Hall of Fame educator and a proud champion of youth development.

Dorothy Moulthrop, Ph.D.
Dorothy Moulthrop was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Open Doors Academy in January 2020. She previously served as Chief Program Officer, responsible for ODA’s unique out-of-school time programming for youth. As CEO, she leads ODA, provides leadership in the community on the topic of out-of-school time, and engages the ODA team with vision and strategy to better meet the needs of kids and families through out-of-school time programs. Dr. Moulthrop earned her doctoral degree in education policy and leadership at The Ohio State University. Her research focuses on the intersection of policy and practice in educational excellence and equity. She earned her teaching license from the University of California, Berkeley, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and Italian from Northwestern University.

This event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required.

Reserve your spot at the registration link above today.

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Lights On Afterschool is part of Cleveland’s Thriving Youth Series, a collaboration between the City of Cleveland, Open Doors Academy, Starting Point, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, University Hospitals, and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The series brings together students, professionals, and civic leaders to drive positive outcomes for youth through out-of-school time learning and innovation.