Afterschool and summer learning programs are essential to America’s COVID-19 recovery plans. These programs are proven to get students excited about learning, keep them engaged, help them gain confidence, and build healthy relationships. For kids who need new learning opportunities and parents who are returning to work, these programs are more important than ever.
“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
“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
"I love the ACE program because it’s helped me build my character and showcase my creativity. They never shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic and proactively started classes online, allowing me and my peers to work safely from home and succeed together." - Amador Martinez, Student, Grulla High School, Starr County, TX
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.
Afterschool is a safe place where children and teens build important life skills that help them thrive.
Read about how the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg, WV is responding to COVID-19.
Afterschool programs engage young people in learning, help them explore different career paths, and get them excited about the future.
This year, many children will have a staggered, unpredictable school schedule with a mix of in-person and remote learning. Many families will need help managing remote school requirements while trying to keep up with the demands of work and family responsibilities.
Afterschool programs stand ready to partner with schools to ensure that kids have a safe place to learn every day and parents are able to work.
Urge your school to make afterschool programs part of their reopening plans. Together we can get our kids back to learning and parents back to work!
