Federal Afterschool Policy

What happens in your backyard is shaped by policy developed on Capitol Hill, from what funds and supports are available to how funds can be used. In recent actions, Congress and the President signed a Continuing Resolution that keeps afterschool funding at 2008 levels through March 6, 2009.  Two new bills were introduced: the Investment in After-School Programs Act to support rural afterschool efforts and, in August, the TIME Act, to create a federal expanded learning time pilot.  Read more about these efforts in Policy News. 

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to afterschool programs.  Learn about its funding history, program outcomes and the types of programs supported by this initiative. 

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is the law authorizing education programs, inculding 21st CCLC , Supplemental Education Services (SES) and other initatives that support afterschool programs.  NCLB is up for reauthorization by Congress, meaning that the goals and suggested funding levels of these efforts are being reviewed for changes.    The Afterschool Alliance has developed recommendation for changes in the law to better support afterschool programs.  Read about progress on the legislation and our afterschool recommendations. 

Active Hours  Afterschool provides tools and information on afterschool and healthy lifestyles, including local wellness policies and partnership opportunities.  Progams can play an important role in promoting health, from physical activity to healthy snacks, and are therefore well-positioned to be key partners in health initiatives. The Afterschool Alliance is working to increase support and opportunities for afterschool programs to be involved in these efforts.