Senate Afterschool Caucus briefing on 21st CCLC

On July 17, the Senate Afterschool Caucus hosted a briefing on the role of federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) funding in supporting local afterschool and summer programs that meet student, parent, and community needs. 21st CCLC funding is allocated to states that run grant competitions to award support to local programs that serve nearly 1.4 million youth nationwide. The briefing was co-hosted with the Afterschool Alliance and the National Summer Learning Association, in partnership with Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, Every Hour Counts, YMCA of the USA, and Save the Children. 

Research, workforce, youth, provider, and law enforcement speakers shared their unique perspectives on the value of programs to keep kids safe, inspire learning, help ensure parents can work and provide for their families today, and prepare youth for future success in work and life. Highlights from the speakers’ presentations follow. View the recording and resources shared.

Researcher Christina Russell, Co-Owner and Principal, Policy Studies Associates:

Data shows a positive impact in multiple areas, including student engagement, chronic absenteeism, and graduation rates. Statewide evaluations of 21st CCLC programs have found improved performance in core subjects and development of work and life skills. 9 in 10  superintendents say that summer programs are a key strategy for district goals.  

The benefits of programs extend to parents and communities. A new 26-year study found that youth who participate in programs land better jobs with higher incomes as adults and have fewer arrests and lower substance use. 4 in 5 parents report that afterschool programs help them keep their jobs, and 87% of voters say that afterschool programs are an absolute necessity in their communities. 

Madelyn Hinkleman, afterschool alum and current college student, on her experience at the program in her rural South Dakota community: 

“Afterschool programs changed my entire life. They gave me experiences I never could’ve imagined… It wasn’t just a place to learn; it was a place where I felt safe, cared for, and nourished. I even learned how to cook for myself… I got to test different careers, build real-world skills, and discover who I am. Without afterschool programs and everything they have to offer, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t be a sophomore at the University of South Dakota, double majoring in Criminal Justice and Social Work. I wouldn’t have landed an internship at 19 years old with South Dakota’s Child Protective Services… My afterschool program was a lifeline. It was a space where youth could discover themselves, take healthy risks, and build the skills they need to succeed in life. They are where dreams are born and where leaders are made.”

Workforce and economic development perspectives from Kendal Smith, Chair, Afterschool & Summer Learning Advisory Committee, and Interim Commissioner, Vermont Department of Labor: 

In Vermont, 21st CCLC ties into multiple state policy objectives, including workforce prep and career exploration, upstream prevention strategies, academic enrichment, and youth wellbeing. 

• 21st CCLC represents support for up to 24,000 parents who can fully participate in employment. 
• Workforce development offered at 21st CCLC programs spans skill development, career exploration, and practical help landing jobs; for example, students have done science experiments at a high-tech chip factory, learned snowmobile repair, and gained experience building resumes and preparing for interviews.

Law enforcement perspective from DJ Hilson, Muskegon County Prosecuting Attorney, Michigan:

“No one should be surprised that law enforcement leaders like me care about these kinds of initiatives. These programs really are long-term investments in public safety,” said Hilson, citing that:  

• The hours between 2 and 6 p.m. are what we call the “prime time for juvenile crime.” When kids are left alone and unsupervised and have nothing to do, they are more likely to get into trouble.
• Research spanning several states shows that every $1 invested in afterschool programs saves at least $3 by increasing kids’ earning potential as adults, improving kids’ performance at school, and reducing crime and juvenile delinquency

Community and program perspective from Lindsey R. Blevins, Extended Learning Coach/21st CCLC Programs, Tuscaloosa City Schools Federal Programs Department, Alabama:

Each of Tuscaloosa’s 12 programs is designed around the local school’s goals, based on student data, as well as community needs, like particular job skills. While programs may have offerings, they offer a similar set of activities—a healthy meal, academic support, and enrichment where students learn through doing. For example, students may do a theater performance of a book they are reading or use math to make a budget or cook a recipe. At a high school program, students who expressed interest in cosmetology were able to learn skills and explore careers in the field. The programs tap partnerships across the community to bring in experts and meet the needs of students and families, including one with the University of Alabama to give pre-service teachers hands-on practice and another where engineers work with students on STEM instruction.

The programs work; state report cards from the past two years have shown an average increase of 8 points at elementary schools. At one high school program, the graduation rate increased by 7%.

To learn more about 21st Century Community Learning Centers and the FY2026 appropriations process, see our Current Policy Landscape page.