Afterschool Policy

The Afterschool Alliance works with partners and advocates at the local, state, and federal levels to advance policies that increase access to quality afterschool, before-school, and summer learning programs for all children and young people, with an emphasis on those who need it most.

Programs help students learn and grow, parents provide for their families, and strengthen the economy and local businesses today, and into the future. Public policy related to these goals should employ afterschool and summer programs as a proven, cost-effective strategy.

Federal Policy. Federal funding is the largest source of public dollars for local programs, and enables programs to leverage additional resources. Top priorities are to protect and expand funding. Get an overview of key legislation, the latest policy news, and see how to take action for afterschool.

State Policy. Find state-specific data and contacts plus tools for devleoping and advancing policy at the state level.

Local Policy. Mayors, local government, and school boards can enact policy that supports chidlren and families through increased access to quality programs. Partnerships are key to this work and this page provides tools that help advocates support programs through school-community partnerships at the local level.