Archives:

Select:

Grad Nation report highlights challenges, solutions towards a 90% graduation rate

READ FULL STORY

Grad Nation report highlights challenges, solutions towards a 90% graduation rate

Photo by Charles DeLoye on Unsplash

A recent webinar from Grad Nation, Building a Grad Nation: Meet the Moment 2020!, marked the release of their report, A Grad Nation 2020: Progress and Challenge in Raising High School Graduation Rates. The annual report discusses recent progress and challenges towards reaching the goal of a national on-time graduation rate of 90 percent by the Class of 2020. The report found that in 2018, the country reached an all-time high graduation rate of 85.3 percent, with gains primarily driven by improvements among underserved students—Black, Hispanic, low-income, and students with disabilities have all made larger gains compared to the national average. That said, as we find ourselves in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and facing the effects of longstanding systemic racism, crucial work still needs to be done. The webinar discussed that students who primarily drove the graduation rate increases are the ones most impacted by COVID-19 and racial injustice. A greater percentage of Black and Hispanic students are learning remotely; low income students are more likely to lack reliable technology and internet access; students with disabilities are missing out on the full services needed; and overall these students are more likely to lack support from counselors and other support systems.

While the report shows that the numbers to reach the 90 percent goal are manageable, the magnitude of the challenge varies by state, and equity needs to be achieved across subgroups. Because of over 100 years of segregation and the high poverty districts this created, much of the challenge in reaching the 90 percent goal is concentrated in a small subset of school districts. In fact, the report states that 50 percent of the students who did not graduate in four years are found in just four percent of school districts; these numbers are even smaller when looking at Black and Hispanic students who did not graduate.

The question then becomes, what is the plan to achieve this goal as we move out of COVID-19? The report provides multiple recommendations for addressing the problems, such as aligning diploma requirements with college and career standards, creating state-specific high school graduation plans, addressing the social, emotional, and academic gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the use of early warning systems, and expanding the capacity of evidence-based nonprofits that can support these efforts.

As the report mentions, schools cannot face the dropout challenge alone, and community-based nonprofits can provide additional support to schools to help boost achievement, graduation, and overall college and career readiness. Thus, it is recommended that public and private funding go to nonprofits that have the most capacity to meet school needs, and have the strongest evidence of success in increasing student achievement and high school graduation rates.

Afterschool programs can support these efforts. As we know, students who regularly participate in high quality afterschool programs are more likely to graduate on time. Afterschool programs help address many of the factors that contribute to students dropping out of high school that were discussed throughout the webinar—they help support students’ academic performance, social and emotional learning, school behaviors and work habits, and attitudes towards school. Many programs also provide intentional college and career readiness support. Afterschool programs, and particularly 21st Century Community Learning Centers that provide supports specifically for low-income students, are especially important for the underserved populations mentioned in the report, the ones most impacted by COVID-19. During these unprecedented times, afterschool programs have stepped up to support students most in need, and moving forward they will be a key part in continuing to address the gaps created by the pandemic.

The webinar concluded with two panels: a youth panel in which two students reflected on their high school experiences and called for a greater focus on relationships and social and emotional support to help reach the graduation milestone, and a panel of three former secretaries of education, who discussed the federal role in promoting equity in schools. Unsurprisingly, there was strong consensus among all three former federal leaders that we need to invest more in our students that need it the most. Support for afterschool programs, and particularly 21st Century Community Learning Centers, are one such investment that can help close the gaps and reach the eventual goal of 90 percent on-time graduation.

Read the full 2020 report here and check out how 21st Century Community Learning Centers positively impact factors that are integral to school engagement and graduation!

Cultivating the next workforce generation in afterschool programs

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) provide new career opportunities for students by giving them hands-on experience working in afterschool and summer enrichment programs. Many 21st CCLC sites offer opportunities where students can be assistant teachers, tutors, coaches, and...

BY: Sophie Kidd      02/02/24

Year in review: Pandemic relief funds support the nutrition of young people

In 2023, we released eight blogs and collected over 550 examples on our American Rescue Plan map, highlighting some of the amazing ways pandemic relief funds are being utilized for afterschool and summer. These funds have supported youth access to arts, physical activity, mental health services,...

BY: Emily Murtaugh      01/04/24

COVID-relief funds deep dive (part 2)

By Liana Shivers and Emily Murtaugh. In March 2021, local education agencies (LEAs) received approximately $22 billion from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to support COVID-related learning recovery, including afterschool and summer learning. This is the second blog...

BY: Guest Blogger      09/22/23

New dashboard presents a retrospective of the Afterschool in the Time of COVID-19 survey series

Over the course of the last three years, thanks to the afterschool field’s generous nature and taking the time during an incredibly tumultuous period to respond to our surveys, the Afterschool Alliance has been able to track the changing landscape of the afterschool field. A recently released...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      07/19/23

Survey finds that programs open this summer will reach the highest levels in three years

Thanks to the more than 1,100 program providers who responded to Afterschool Alliance’s spring survey to better understand the current state of the field, we are able to share some insights into what providers anticipate for this summer. This summer, program providers are much more certain...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      07/14/23

Pandemic relief funds are supporting summer learning opportunities for youth

Photo courtesy of GENTS & GLAM As we look forward to National Summer Learning Week on July 10-14, we’re shining a light on the ways COVID-relief funds are supporting students while school is out for the summer. Thanks to these funds, kids have the opportunity to explore new activities,...

BY: Sophie Kidd      06/28/23

Kicking off a celebration of 25 years of 21st CCLC

Over the course of the past 25 years, millions of students have taken part in fun, academically enriching learning experiences in their 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, making friends while exploring new areas of interest and finding their passions, all in a safe...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      05/23/23

Pandemic relief funds are helping support youth and families' mental health

We continue to add examples to the American Rescue Plan map, illuminating how cities, states, and school districts use pandemic relief funds to support afterschool and summer learning. Today, we are focusing on mental health. Why? May is National Mental Health Awareness Month! In 2021,...

BY: Liana Shivers      05/12/23

Fall afterschool provider survey results: A child care provider perspective

The recent Afterschool Provider Survey, published February 2023, included a universe of over 1,000 programs across the country. Of the 1,016 programs surveyed, just under 10 percent (92) identified themselves as “afterschool programs run by child care centers.” The data allow for...

BY: Jillian Luchner      05/08/23

300 ways pandemic relief funds are supporting afterschool and summer

We’re thrilled to share a new and improved interactive map showing examples of afterschool and summer programming supported by pandemic relief funds. From experiential learning camps in Vermont where youth learned how to use a compass and identify wild edibles; to STEM offerings in...

BY: Ursula Helminski      04/17/23

Year in review: Pandemic relief funds support the nutrition of young people

In 2023, we released eight blogs and collected over 550 examples on our American Rescue Plan map, highlighting some of the amazing ways pandemic relief funds are being utilized for afterschool and summer. These funds have supported youth access to arts, physical activity, mental health services,...

BY: Emily Murtaugh      01/04/24

Tracking American Rescue Plan funds: Recommendations from the field

By Emily Murtaugh and Liana Shivers. In October, the Afterschool Alliance released a new report, “Investments in Student Recovery: A Review of School Districts’ Use of American Rescue Plan Funding to Support Afterschool and Summer Opportunities,” detailing how districts are...

BY: Guest Blogger      12/01/23

American Rescue Plan funds support afterschool programs for Native American families

Native Americans represent more than 570 tribes, 3.7 million people, and 644,000 students across the country. The America After 3PM for Native American Families fact sheet highlights how afterschool programs play an important role in Native American communities by providing comprehensive support...

BY: Liana Shivers      11/28/23

Pandemic relief funds fuel partnerships

We’re highlighting ways that COVID relief funds are increasing partnerships to support out-of-school time learning, as a part of our series highlighting the wide variety of examples available in our map of City, State, and School District Investments in Afterschool and Summer Learning with...

BY: Sophie Kidd      11/07/23

COVID relief funds support 21st Century Community Learning Centers

This month, we're spotlighting entries in our map of pandemic relief funds that support 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs across the country. This initiative is the only federal funding source solely dedicated to before-school, afterschool, and summer learning...

BY: Sophie Kidd      10/16/23

Latino voters prioritize afterschool and summer programs

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which started on Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15, the following graphic was created to highlight responses from registered voters who identified as Latino, Latina, or Hispanic and how they feel when it comes to the issue of afterschool and summer...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      10/10/23

New dashboard presents a retrospective of the Afterschool in the Time of COVID-19 survey series

Over the course of the last three years, thanks to the afterschool field’s generous nature and taking the time during an incredibly tumultuous period to respond to our surveys, the Afterschool Alliance has been able to track the changing landscape of the afterschool field. A recently released...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      07/19/23

Survey finds that programs open this summer will reach the highest levels in three years

Thanks to the more than 1,100 program providers who responded to Afterschool Alliance’s spring survey to better understand the current state of the field, we are able to share some insights into what providers anticipate for this summer. This summer, program providers are much more certain...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      07/14/23

Pandemic relief funds are supporting summer learning opportunities for youth

Photo courtesy of GENTS & GLAM As we look forward to National Summer Learning Week on July 10-14, we’re shining a light on the ways COVID-relief funds are supporting students while school is out for the summer. Thanks to these funds, kids have the opportunity to explore new activities,...

BY: Sophie Kidd      06/28/23

Afterschool a priority for Asian American and Pacific Islander voters

A brand new graphic draws attention to the high levels of support among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters for afterschool and summer learning programs. Based on a November 2022 survey of registered voters, the graphic maps out what AAPI voters are saying about afterschool programs,...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      05/30/23

New fact sheet: Using American Rescue Plan Funds For Afterschool And Summer Programs

Following up on findings from the “Investments in Student Recovery: A Review of School Districts’ Use of American Rescue Plan Funding to Support Afterschool and Summer Opportunities” report, our new fact sheet describes the impact of American Rescue Plan (ARP) investments in...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      02/26/24

Cultivating the next workforce generation in afterschool programs

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) provide new career opportunities for students by giving them hands-on experience working in afterschool and summer enrichment programs. Many 21st CCLC sites offer opportunities where students can be assistant teachers, tutors, coaches, and...

BY: Sophie Kidd      02/02/24

Year in review: Pandemic relief funds support the nutrition of young people

In 2023, we released eight blogs and collected over 550 examples on our American Rescue Plan map, highlighting some of the amazing ways pandemic relief funds are being utilized for afterschool and summer. These funds have supported youth access to arts, physical activity, mental health services,...

BY: Emily Murtaugh      01/04/24

Tracking American Rescue Plan funds: Recommendations from the field

By Emily Murtaugh and Liana Shivers. In October, the Afterschool Alliance released a new report, “Investments in Student Recovery: A Review of School Districts’ Use of American Rescue Plan Funding to Support Afterschool and Summer Opportunities,” detailing how districts are...

BY: Guest Blogger      12/01/23

American Rescue Plan funds support afterschool programs for Native American families

Native Americans represent more than 570 tribes, 3.7 million people, and 644,000 students across the country. The America After 3PM for Native American Families fact sheet highlights how afterschool programs play an important role in Native American communities by providing comprehensive support...

BY: Liana Shivers      11/28/23

Pandemic relief funds fuel partnerships

We’re highlighting ways that COVID relief funds are increasing partnerships to support out-of-school time learning, as a part of our series highlighting the wide variety of examples available in our map of City, State, and School District Investments in Afterschool and Summer Learning with...

BY: Sophie Kidd      11/07/23

Tracking American Rescue Plan funds: 8 in 10 school districts invest in afterschool and summer, focus on traditional academic support

By Emily Murtaugh and Liana Shivers. In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act allocated $109 billion in  Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds to local school districts to support pandemic recovery, including addressing students’ learning loss and...

BY: Guest Blogger      10/23/23

COVID relief funds support 21st Century Community Learning Centers

This month, we're spotlighting entries in our map of pandemic relief funds that support 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs across the country. This initiative is the only federal funding source solely dedicated to before-school, afterschool, and summer learning...

BY: Sophie Kidd      10/16/23

COVID-relief funds deep dive (part 2)

By Liana Shivers and Emily Murtaugh. In March 2021, local education agencies (LEAs) received approximately $22 billion from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to support COVID-related learning recovery, including afterschool and summer learning. This is the second blog...

BY: Guest Blogger      09/22/23

American Rescue Plan funds support youth with special needs and disabilities

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash We have added more than 450 examples to the American Rescue Plan map, illuminating how cities, states, and school districts use pandemic relief funds to support afterschool and summer learning. Today, we are highlighting how funds are supporting youth with special...

BY: Liana Shivers      08/04/23

New fact sheet: Using American Rescue Plan Funds For Afterschool And Summer Programs

Following up on findings from the “Investments in Student Recovery: A Review of School Districts’ Use of American Rescue Plan Funding to Support Afterschool and Summer Opportunities” report, our new fact sheet describes the impact of American Rescue Plan (ARP) investments in...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      02/26/24

Pandemic relief funds fuel partnerships

We’re highlighting ways that COVID relief funds are increasing partnerships to support out-of-school time learning, as a part of our series highlighting the wide variety of examples available in our map of City, State, and School District Investments in Afterschool and Summer Learning with...

BY: Sophie Kidd      11/07/23

New dashboard presents a retrospective of the Afterschool in the Time of COVID-19 survey series

Over the course of the last three years, thanks to the afterschool field’s generous nature and taking the time during an incredibly tumultuous period to respond to our surveys, the Afterschool Alliance has been able to track the changing landscape of the afterschool field. A recently released...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      07/19/23

Survey finds that programs open this summer will reach the highest levels in three years

Thanks to the more than 1,100 program providers who responded to Afterschool Alliance’s spring survey to better understand the current state of the field, we are able to share some insights into what providers anticipate for this summer. This summer, program providers are much more certain...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      07/14/23

Pandemic relief funds are supporting summer learning opportunities for youth

Photo courtesy of GENTS & GLAM As we look forward to National Summer Learning Week on July 10-14, we’re shining a light on the ways COVID-relief funds are supporting students while school is out for the summer. Thanks to these funds, kids have the opportunity to explore new activities,...

BY: Sophie Kidd      06/28/23

Fall afterschool provider survey results: A child care provider perspective

The recent Afterschool Provider Survey, published February 2023, included a universe of over 1,000 programs across the country. Of the 1,016 programs surveyed, just under 10 percent (92) identified themselves as “afterschool programs run by child care centers.” The data allow for...

BY: Jillian Luchner      05/08/23

300 ways pandemic relief funds are supporting afterschool and summer

We’re thrilled to share a new and improved interactive map showing examples of afterschool and summer programming supported by pandemic relief funds. From experiential learning camps in Vermont where youth learned how to use a compass and identify wild edibles; to STEM offerings in...

BY: Ursula Helminski      04/17/23

COVID-relief funds deep dive (part 1)

By Emily Murtaugh and Liana Shivers. Two years have passed since states received their portion of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III or ARP ESSER) funds as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Funds, allocated at the state education agency (SEA) and local...

BY: Guest Blogger      04/14/23

ARP funds are helping young people stay active

As the weather warms up this spring, we are highlighting how American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding supports kids getting outside to play and move their bodies. Physical activity is essential to a young person’s development; from pre-pandemic levels to during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been...

BY: Emily Murtaugh      04/10/23

Using COVID-relief funds to support young people across the country

This month, we’re highlighting ways that COVID-relief funds are increasing ways for students to explore their artistic passions, as a part of our series highlighting the wide variety of examples available in our map of City, State, and School District Investments in Afterschool and Summer...

BY: Sophie Kidd      03/06/23

Phase II findings from the National Summer Learning and Enrichment Study explore how SEAs approached summer

Researchers at Westat released the second batch of findings from the National Summer Learning & Enrichment Study. The Wallace Foundation is supporting the study. This release is the second in a series of three reports taking a closer look at summer learning in 2021 from the perspective of state...

BY: Sophie Kidd      11/16/23

Survey finds that programs open this summer will reach the highest levels in three years

Thanks to the more than 1,100 program providers who responded to Afterschool Alliance’s spring survey to better understand the current state of the field, we are able to share some insights into what providers anticipate for this summer. This summer, program providers are much more certain...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      07/14/23

Best practices from school districts for advancing equity in expanded learning

How can we promote equity in out-of-school time (OST) programs? A new research brief commissioned by The Wallace Foundation, Expanding Equity in Afterschool and Summer Learning: Lessons From School Districts, explores this question. The brief summarizes work done by researchers at the University of...

BY: Sophie Kidd      07/03/23

Pandemic relief funds are supporting summer learning opportunities for youth

Photo courtesy of GENTS & GLAM As we look forward to National Summer Learning Week on July 10-14, we’re shining a light on the ways COVID-relief funds are supporting students while school is out for the summer. Thanks to these funds, kids have the opportunity to explore new activities,...

BY: Sophie Kidd      06/28/23

New study examines how districts approached summer learning in 2021

In December 2022, researchers at Westat released the first batch of findings from the National Summer Learning & Enrichment Study, an effort funded by the Wallace Foundation. The study will feature three reports that analyze summer learning in 2021 and 2022 across the country from the viewpoint...

BY: Sophie Kidd      03/14/23

More than half of public schools report offering afterschool programs for students who need academic assistance

At the beginning of November, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a part of the Institute of Education Services, the research branch of the Department of Education, released findings from the September 2022 data collection of their School Pulse Panel (SPP) study. This study is...

BY: Sophie Kidd      11/10/22

More than half of superintendents say summer learning/enrichment programs will decrease or end after ARP funding runs out, according to new survey

This summer, The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) released the third part of their series “School District Spending of American Rescue Plan Funding” which surveys district leaders on how they’re using ARP funds to respond to the pandemic and learning...

BY: Sophie Kidd      10/11/22

State summer learning findings: Partnerships, equity, and long-term funding solutions are top of mind

Organizations in Maryland and Minnesota have recently released reports around summer learning in 2021, as many districts and providers are in the midst of this year’s summer programming. Both reports highlight useful findings, best practices, and areas for future growth. Partnerships, equity,...

BY: Sophie Kidd      07/26/22

New Education Development Center report and webinar highlight ways to strengthen summer learning programs

On Tuesday, June 14, the Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) hosted a webinar, “Insights and Reflections on Planning and Implementing District-led Summer Programs,” to share findings from its new report: Supporting Quality in Summer Learning: How Districts Plan, Develop, and...

BY: Sophie Kidd      06/24/22

Five key takeaways from program providers about the 2022 summer

As summer is very much top of mind for many of us as temperatures rise and the unofficial start of summer now in the rearview mirror, a new Afterschool Alliance survey finds that program providers are gearing up for a busy summer. Throughout the pandemic, the Afterschool Alliance has been tracking...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      06/02/22

Afterschool a priority for Asian American and Pacific Islander voters

A brand new graphic draws attention to the high levels of support among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters for afterschool and summer learning programs. Based on a November 2022 survey of registered voters, the graphic maps out what AAPI voters are saying about afterschool programs,...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      05/30/23

Women voters say that they want increased access to afterschool

A new graphic released this week illustrates the strong support for afterschool and summer programs among women voters. Based on results from an online survey of registered voters conducted by Lake Research Partners between November 9-14, 2022, women across political affiliations, community types,...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      03/31/23

Listening to Black voters: Afterschool is essential

Results are in! By overwhelming majorities, Black voters agree on the value of afterschool and summer learning programs. From inspiring children to learn to supporting young people’s well-being, polling affirms that Black voters are in favor of afterschool programs for our nation’s...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      03/13/23

Oklahoma afterschool program supports Native American youth

Heather Taylor, an afterschool program director, and Native American Student Advocate for Tahlequah Public Schools spoke with Sophie Kidd from the Afterschool Alliance about the history of her program and how they support Native youth. How did your program start? Tahlequah Public Schools...

BY: Sophie Kidd      02/13/23

The importance of culturally driven Native American mental health interventions

By Sasha Neyra. Sasha, 16, is a Junior at Arcata High School and a Member of Big Lagoon Rancheria and wrote this piece as a part of her role as a Student Research Assistant at Two Feathers Native American Family Services. Two Feathers is excited to welcome our student research assistant. Part of...

BY: Guest Blogger      02/09/23

New America After 3PM brief focuses on Native American youth and families

For the first time, an analysis of the Afterschool Alliance’s America After 3PM survey provides an in-depth look at the afterschool experiences of Native American youth. The new brief, “America After 3PM for Native American Families,” presents data collected pre-pandemic and...

BY: Sophie Kidd      01/12/23

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month wraps up, the Afterschool Alliance is shining a light on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) children in afterschool programs and the experiences of AANHPI parents as it relates to afterschool. Our America After 3PM...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      05/31/22

New ALICE Brief: Nearly half of American children live below the ALICE threshold in the US

In early April, United for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) officially launched their ALICE In Focus: Children data dashboard and research briefs. United for ALICE’s mission is to raise awareness around the group of families who are struggling financially but do not count...

BY: Sophie Kidd      05/05/22

Survey finds that programs open this summer will reach the highest levels in three years

Thanks to the more than 1,100 program providers who responded to Afterschool Alliance’s spring survey to better understand the current state of the field, we are able to share some insights into what providers anticipate for this summer. This summer, program providers are much more certain...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      07/14/23

Oklahoma afterschool program supports Native American youth

Heather Taylor, an afterschool program director, and Native American Student Advocate for Tahlequah Public Schools spoke with Sophie Kidd from the Afterschool Alliance about the history of her program and how they support Native youth. How did your program start? Tahlequah Public Schools...

BY: Sophie Kidd      02/13/23

New America After 3PM brief focuses on Native American youth and families

For the first time, an analysis of the Afterschool Alliance’s America After 3PM survey provides an in-depth look at the afterschool experiences of Native American youth. The new brief, “America After 3PM for Native American Families,” presents data collected pre-pandemic and...

BY: Sophie Kidd      01/12/23

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month wraps up, the Afterschool Alliance is shining a light on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) children in afterschool programs and the experiences of AANHPI parents as it relates to afterschool. Our America After 3PM...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      05/31/22

America After 3PM 2020 Health and Wellness Report in images

As part of our release of "Promoting Healthy Futures: Afterschool Provides the Supports Parents Want for Children's Well-Being," we created an infographic that highlights some of the top findings from our America After 3PM Health and Wellness Report. Take at how afterschool programs...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      04/25/22

New America After 3PM special report: Promoting healthy futures

From STEM learning opportunities afterschool and during the summer to young people’s summertime experiences, the America After 3PM survey has provided a wealth of data on what the after school and summer hours look like for children and youth and parents’ expectations of and opinions on...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      04/13/22