Home >> Resources

Afterschool Program Resources


  • In today’s hyper-connected world, children and teens are spending more time than ever glued to screens. From smartphones and tablets to gaming consoles and social media platforms, the pull of the digital world is strong—and often overwhelming. While technology offers many benefits, excessive screen time is fueling a growing concern: digital addiction in youth.

    More

  • Afterschool programs in the United States have a long and evolving history, shaped by social, economic, and educational needs. Their development can be traced back to the late 19th century, when industrialization and urbanization led to significant societal changes. Over time, these programs have expanded and diversified, becoming essential resources for millions of children and families across the country.

    More

  • In today's rapidly advancing world, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills are essential for future success. STEM-based afterschool programs play a crucial role in fostering curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and creativity in young learners. These programs provide hands-on learning experiences that go beyond traditional classroom settings, preparing students for careers in high-demand fields and nurturing a passion for innovation.

    More

  • After-school sports programs across the United States play a vital role in promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and holistic youth development. These programs, often integrated into community and school-based initiatives, offer young people structured, engaging, and health-focused activities that contribute to both their physical and social-emotional well-being.

    More

  • Afterschool arts and creative programs across the United States play a transformative role in the development of children and adolescents, offering a vital space for personal growth, academic improvement, and community engagement. As academic pressures and budget cuts reduce in-school exposure to the arts, these out-of-school programs have become essential to nurturing young talent and creativity.

    More

  • In the United States, after-school tutoring and homework help programs have become essential for bridging academic gaps, especially among underserved and low-income students. These programs serve as critical tools for reinforcing classroom learning, offering personalized support, and building student confidence. 

    More

  • In today’s fast-paced world, leadership isn’t just a skill—it’s a necessity. More than ever, schools, communities, and parents are turning to afterschool leadership programs to help nurture the next generation of confident, capable, and compassionate leaders. These programs offer more than just a safe space after class; they serve as powerful platforms for student development, character building, and lifelong success.

    More

  • Afterschool programs play a vital role in supporting children’s education, providing safe environments, and fostering positive youth development. While urban and suburban communities often have numerous resources, afterschool programs in rural America have developed along a different path—marked by innovation, resilience, and a strong sense of community. Understanding their history shines a light on both the challenges and opportunities that rural communities face in expanding education access beyond the school day.

    More

  • Afterschool programs in the USA have undergone a dramatic transformation since the turn of the 21st century. Once viewed primarily as childcare for working parents, today’s afterschool enrichment programs have evolved into essential hubs for academic support, social-emotional learning, STEM education, and youth development.

    In this post, we explore how the 21st century reshaped the afterschool landscape, the rise in demand, the influence of technology, funding shifts, and the critical role these programs play in closing the opportunity gap.

    More

  • Summer learning loss—also known as the "summer slide"—is a well-documented phenomenon where students lose academic ground over the long break between school years. For many students, especially those from low-income families, the summer can be a time of regression rather than rest. Fortunately, afterschool programs and summer enrichment programs have emerged as powerful tools to combat summer learning loss, keeping kids academically engaged and emotionally supported during the out-of-school months.

    Summer learning loss refers to the decline in academic skills and knowledge that students experience over summer vacation. Research shows that, on average, students lose about two months of reading skills and two and a half months of math skills over the summer if they are not engaged in educational activities.

    More