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Your voice matters: Share your COVID experience in our survey

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Your voice matters: Share your COVID experience in our survey

This summer will be one for the books. As states begin to lift statewide coronavirus-related restrictions and vaccinations continue to roll out, the public is hopeful for a return to normal in the near future. A recent survey of parents of school-age children found that nearly two-thirds say that they are comfortable sending their child to in-person summer activities.

By taking Afterschool Alliance’s short survey, you are helping document the ways in which the pandemic continues to impact your program, the supports your program is providing to the children and families in your community, and lift up the short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 on the afterschool field as a whole.

All those who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win one of 50 gift cards in the amount of $50! Five winners will be selected at random each week the survey is open.

This is the fifth wave of the Afterschool in the Time of COVID-19 tracking survey, with findings from previous waves shared with federal policymakers and featured in publications such as Education Week and Youth Today.

The survey should take no more than 10 minutes of your time and your responses will be anonymous. The survey will close 11:59 p.m. PDT, Sunday, June 27.

Thank you for sharing information about your afterschool and summer programs! Start the survey at https://3to6.co/survey.

If you need assistance completing the survey, please contact Lydia Redway at redway@edgeresearch.com. If you would like more information about the research, please contact Nikki Yamashiro at nyamashiro@afterschoolalliance.org.

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

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

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

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

Afterschool program provider survey reveals three key stressors preventing a return to normal

This past fall, more than 9 in 10 program providers responding to an Afterschool Alliance survey reported that they are open, with majorities providing their students with opportunities for academic enrichment, collaboration and connection with their peers, building foundational skills, and...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      02/28/23

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

Results are in! Voters agree that afterschool is a necessity.

Turning on the news today, it’s hard to fathom an issue that can generate good will on both sides of the political aisle. But based on new polling results released today, voters nationwide come together in their support for afterschool programs—agreeing that they are a necessity for...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      01/31/23

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

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

Afterschool program provider survey reveals three key stressors preventing a return to normal

This past fall, more than 9 in 10 program providers responding to an Afterschool Alliance survey reported that they are open, with majorities providing their students with opportunities for academic enrichment, collaboration and connection with their peers, building foundational skills, and...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      02/28/23

ARP funds used to help young people prepare for the jobs of tomorrow

We continue to improve our American Rescue Plan map, showcasing examples of how cities, states, and school districts use pandemic relief funds to support afterschool and summer learning. What started as a chart with 15+ examples has become an interactive map in collaboration with the National...

BY: Liana Shivers      02/02/23

Afterschool in the Time of COVID-19: Health and wellness for students and families

Evidence shows that afterschool and summer learning programs are safe places where students can connect with one another, develop their confidence, interact with knowledgeable and caring staff, and more. As a part of our blog series following the “Access to Afterschool Programs Remains a...

BY: Sophie Kidd      12/13/22

Afterschool in the time of COVID-19: Barriers to afterschool and summer participation

Unmet demand for afterschool and summer learning programs and other barriers to access are impacting parents and families across the country, though some families are facing more barriers than others. Inequities exist, with unmet demand and barriers to participation being greater among communities...

BY: Sophie Kidd      11/17/22

Afterschool in the Time of COVID-19: A look at rural, suburban, and urban communities

Last month, the brief, “Access to Afterschool Programs Remains a Challenge for Many Families,” reported out on national survey results from nearly 1,500 parents or guardians of school-age children, finding that in the U.S., while afterschool programs are delivering on keeping children...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      09/13/22

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

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

Afterschool program provider survey reveals three key stressors preventing a return to normal

This past fall, more than 9 in 10 program providers responding to an Afterschool Alliance survey reported that they are open, with majorities providing their students with opportunities for academic enrichment, collaboration and connection with their peers, building foundational skills, and...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      02/28/23

Poll results confirm parents and voters alike support afterschool

This past Tuesday, the afterschool field felt the love as messages flooded in from students, parents, program providers, policy makers, and advocates across the country expressing their appreciation and gratitude for afterschool. The outpouring of support for afterschool reinforces findings from a...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      02/16/23

Afterschool in the Time of COVID-19: Health and wellness for students and families

Evidence shows that afterschool and summer learning programs are safe places where students can connect with one another, develop their confidence, interact with knowledgeable and caring staff, and more. As a part of our blog series following the “Access to Afterschool Programs Remains a...

BY: Sophie Kidd      12/13/22

Afterschool in the time of COVID-19: Barriers to afterschool and summer participation

Unmet demand for afterschool and summer learning programs and other barriers to access are impacting parents and families across the country, though some families are facing more barriers than others. Inequities exist, with unmet demand and barriers to participation being greater among communities...

BY: Sophie Kidd      11/17/22

Afterschool: A bipartisan solution to help young people thrive

Last week across the country, more than 6,000 local programs celebrated the 23rd annual Lights On Afterschool and Democratic and Republican governors in 46 states and the District of Columbia issued proclamations reaffirming the importance of afterschool. In Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey declared...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      10/27/22

Cost, center location, transportation & convenience remain barriers for working parents in new survey

Though the school year is underway for students, finding high-quality accessible afterschool programming is top of mind for parents across the country. Our team has been examining the differences between parents in various different forms of working situations, including households where parents...

BY: Sophie Kidd      10/06/22

Afterschool in the Time of COVID-19: A look at rural, suburban, and urban communities

Last month, the brief, “Access to Afterschool Programs Remains a Challenge for Many Families,” reported out on national survey results from nearly 1,500 parents or guardians of school-age children, finding that in the U.S., while afterschool programs are delivering on keeping children...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      09/13/22

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

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

ARP funds used to help young people prepare for the jobs of tomorrow

We continue to improve our American Rescue Plan map, showcasing examples of how cities, states, and school districts use pandemic relief funds to support afterschool and summer learning. What started as a chart with 15+ examples has become an interactive map in collaboration with the National...

BY: Liana Shivers      02/02/23

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

NCES data release shows increased opportunities for summer learning and more mental health supports

In early August, 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 its June 2022 School Pulse Panel (SPP) study. The study’s goal is to collect data on the impact the...

BY: Sophie Kidd      08/25/22

Staffing and student well-being remain top concerns for afterschool program providers in new survey

“Community awareness of the need for out-of-school time (OST) care and support has increased dramatically.  However, without more directed funding efforts, hiring and retaining staff at a livable salary remains difficult, and is veering toward impossible,” one provider shared in a...

BY: Sophie Kidd      08/01/22

New examples of COVID relief funding for afterschool from National League of Cities

In the next phase of our COVID work and to celebrate the launch of the Engage Every Student Initiative, we have collaborated with the National League of Cities (NLC) on the next iteration of our map that shows where COVID funds are supporting afterschool & summer programs across the country....

BY: Sophie Kidd      07/22/22

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

How four cities expanded summer learning

Summer learning programs provide enrichment opportunities for youth, allowing them to increase math and reading comprehension skills, connecting them with mentors and peers, providing nutritious meals and helping them gain workforce experience. Unfortunately, more work needs to be done to ensure...

BY: Tierra Easter      12/13/21

Spiking demand, growing barriers: The trends shaping afterschool and summer learning in rural communities

In 2014, there were 3.1 million rural children not in an afterschool program who would have participated in a program if one were available to them—roughly three times the population of Rhode Island. New data from the report, “Spiking demand, growing barriers: The trends shaping...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      12/08/21

Out-of-school time programs helping children find their passion, purpose, and voice

The mental, emotional, and physical well-being of children has been top of mind throughout the pandemic—for parents, for educators, and for youth development professionals. In a prescient research endeavor, conducted by Edge Research and with the support of The Wallace Foundation, Learning...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      11/04/21

Afterschool and summer programs may hold the key to post-pandemic recovery for young people

By Neil Naftzger, principal researcher, and Jessica Newman, senior researcher at the American Institutes for Research. Fall is here, with it, a return for many to in-person learning after more than a year of disruption and uncertainty. Over the past six months, the current administration has...

BY: Guest Blogger      09/27/21

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

STEM learning is on the rise, but growth for boys outpaces girls

As part of our release of "STEM Learning in Afterschool on the Rise, But Barriers and Inequities Exist," we created an infographic that highlights the gender disparity findings from our America After 3PM STEM Report. Take a look at how access to STEM learning varies for boys and...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      02/10/22

Spiking demand, growing barriers: The trends shaping afterschool and summer learning in rural communities

In 2014, there were 3.1 million rural children not in an afterschool program who would have participated in a program if one were available to them—roughly three times the population of Rhode Island. New data from the report, “Spiking demand, growing barriers: The trends shaping...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      12/08/21

Public support for quality programs for children and youth remains a top priority for American families and businesses

While Congress continues to work on its appropriations and reconciliation packages, Americans continue to voice their strong support for programs that help them work while providing enriching experiences for their children. In addition to our America After 3 PM Survey, which has consistently...

BY: Jillian Luchner      11/02/21

Afterschool’s role in helping children with special needs or disabilities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic

By Stephanie Barker, Coordinator for the Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance (KYOSA) and parent of two elementary-age children with special needs and disabilities. To learn more about students with special needs or disabilities in afterschool programs, read a recently released brief by the Afterschool...

BY: Guest Blogger      10/25/21

How well are afterschool programs serving children with special needs or disabilities?

In afterschool programs, children of all abilities can take part in hands-on learning experiences, have time to collaborate with peers, snack on healthy eats, and are able to be active and outdoors in the care of knowledgeable and supportive staff. The flexible and responsive nature of afterschool...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      10/11/21

NCES data release shows increased opportunities for summer learning and more mental health supports

In early August, 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 its June 2022 School Pulse Panel (SPP) study. The study’s goal is to collect data on the impact the...

BY: Sophie Kidd      08/25/22

New examples of COVID relief funding for afterschool from National League of Cities

In the next phase of our COVID work and to celebrate the launch of the Engage Every Student Initiative, we have collaborated with the National League of Cities (NLC) on the next iteration of our map that shows where COVID funds are supporting afterschool & summer programs across the country....

BY: Sophie Kidd      07/22/22

How four cities expanded summer learning

Summer learning programs provide enrichment opportunities for youth, allowing them to increase math and reading comprehension skills, connecting them with mentors and peers, providing nutritious meals and helping them gain workforce experience. Unfortunately, more work needs to be done to ensure...

BY: Tierra Easter      12/13/21

Making learning outside of school count

What do learning math concepts through boatbuilding, shadowing a teacher to see classroom management practices in action, and building software skills studying video game and mobile app development all have in common? Although wildly diverse, these examples showcase the broad range of...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      11/23/21

Out-of-school time programs helping children find their passion, purpose, and voice

The mental, emotional, and physical well-being of children has been top of mind throughout the pandemic—for parents, for educators, and for youth development professionals. In a prescient research endeavor, conducted by Edge Research and with the support of The Wallace Foundation, Learning...

BY: Nikki Yamashiro      11/04/21

Afterschool and summer programs may hold the key to post-pandemic recovery for young people

By Neil Naftzger, principal researcher, and Jessica Newman, senior researcher at the American Institutes for Research. Fall is here, with it, a return for many to in-person learning after more than a year of disruption and uncertainty. Over the past six months, the current administration has...

BY: Guest Blogger      09/27/21

Latest highlights from Impacts Database point to summer learning's efficacy

As summer comes to a close and the school year starts back up, we wanted to recognize the importance of summer learning programs and the impact that they have on youth by highlighting some new summer evaluations in our Afterschool Impacts Database.   Our Impacts Database offers a searchable...

BY: Bella DiMarco      08/24/21

New report reveals state of afterschool STEM learning opportunities

Afterschool and summer programs offer hands-on learning opportunities that spark students’ interest in STEM subjects and help them gain critical STEM skills. The just-released America After 3PM special report, “STEM Learning in Afterschool on the Rise, But Barriers and Inequities...

BY: Chris Neitzey      08/18/21

Parents prioritize SEL in afterschool and summer learning programs

We all know that this summer and fall are critical as we try to reconnect and re-engage young people around the country in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that summer – and summer learning programs – are in full swing, we figured it was a good time to revisit some of the crucial...

BY: Dan Gilbert      08/05/21

Supporting and promoting mental health in out-of-school time

The National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment (NCASE) recently released a practice brief, “Supporting and Promoting Mental Health in Out-of-School Time,” that explores some of the current mental health needs of youth, their families, and the out-of-school time (OST)...

BY: Bella DiMarco      07/20/21