This is Afterschool

Over the past year, the pandemic has forced young people to miss out on so much. Afterschool and summer learning programs can give kids and families the extra help they need to recover. From academic enrichment and fun, social activities to healthy meals and caring mentors who keep kids safe and supported while parents work. These programs are more important than ever for ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Afterschool provides essential supports that can help young people emerge from this crisis strong, resilient, and hopeful.

Helping kids recover

Teens from across the country share how their afterschool programs have helped them during the pandemic and why these programs are so critical for their learning and well-being.

Helping working parents

“I wouldn’t be able to work without afterschool programs. It’s peace of mind knowing my kids are in a good place, getting fed a nutritious meal, having fun. Losing these programs would be devastating to our community.”

— Pamela Shope, Mother of two boys who attend afterschool programs in West Virginia

Supporting essential workers

“Not to be overly dramatic, but it’s life-saving to have this program…This is making it possible for us to do our jobs.” – Erin LaRose, parent who co-leads the COVID-19 Contact Investigation Team in the Vermont Department of Health’s Epidemiology Heath Survey Division and depends on the MAUSD Essential Person’s Childcare Center in Bristol, Vermont, as told to Addison Independent, April 2020

Engaging kids in learning

Madison School & Community Recreation in Madison, WI, works with local schools to provide support for virtual learning, meals and transportation.

Delivering food to families

Working with local schools and partners, ourBRIDGE in Charlotte, NC continues to support its families by distributing meals and learning activity kits and hosting regular check ins.

Building life skills

Afterschool is a safe place where children and teens build important life skills that help them thrive.

Helping kids learn and grow

Afterschool programs engage young people in learning, help them explore different career paths, and get them excited about the future.

Take Action Now

All students should have access to the supports they need for a robust recovery. That includes help with academics, caring mentors who can support kids’ social-emotional well-being, meals, physical activity, transportation to and from programs, and affordable care while parents work.

Afterschool and summer learning programs in your area can help.

Urge your school to partner with local out-of-school time programs. Together we can help young people emerge from this crisis strong, resilient, and hopeful.

Email Your Principal

Donate Directly

Sign our open letter to let school leaders know families need afterschool and summer learning programs.

This is Afterschool

Sign our open letter to let school leaders know families need afterschool and summer learning programs.

Afterschool provides essential supports that can help young people emerge from this crisis strong, resilient, and hopeful.

Helping kids recover

Helping working parents

Supporting essential workers

Engaging kids in learning

Delivering food to families

Building life skills

Helping kids learn and grow

Afterschool programs help kids learn and grow

Afterschool is proven to help kids:

After going to afterschool programs:

Take Action Now

Sign our open letter to let school leaders know families need afterschool and summer learning programs.