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

Learn more about Afterschool

Decades of research show that afterschool programs inspire students to learn, help them do better in school, and help build our future workforce. Afterschool also keeps kids safe and helps parents provide for their families.

Afterschool helps kids realize their full potential

Accelerating kids’ growth academically and socially

Afterschool engages young people in enriching activities—from coding and circuitry to producing stage plays and growing gardens—that spark interest in learning and help them build life skills.

Students who participate in afterschool programs gain confidence, attend school more often, earn better grades, and connect with caring mentors who help them develop skills to navigate struggles and challenges.

Helping kids gain workforce skills

Through internships, mentoring programs, community projects, and other unique learning experiences, afterschool helps kids develop communication skills and learn how to lead, think critically, solve problems, and work in teams.

Afterschool programs offer kids exciting, real-world learning activities, and opportunities to explore future career paths and build the skills employers demand.

Keeping kids safe and empowering families

For many parents, afterschool is a lifeline that helps them work without worry and balance their schedule. These programs keep kids safe and help to build stronger learners, earners, and leaders. Every $1 invested in afterschool programs, saves at least $3 by increasing kids' future earning potential, improving their performance at school and reducing crime and juvenile delinquency.

Take Action Now

All students should have access to the supports they need to learn. That includes help with academics, caring mentors who help them build healthy relationships, 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 ensure all young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential.