State Policy

Knowing what's going on in your state is an important step in advocating for afterschool.  Gain the local knowledge you need or see what others are doing with these state specific rescouces.

State Data & Contacts:  Go to our clickable map of the United States to access state-specific data on afterschool, key contacts on the issue, legislative news and more.

State Policy Trends: an analysis of states and their leadership in 2006 and 2007 revealed some key opportunities for afterschool, including the theme of education as an investment, engaging older youth, and keeping kids of all ages healthy and safe.

Developing State Policy:  A variety of vehicles and policies have been used, or are being pursued, in states to support afterschool programming. Compiled here are some examples and tools to help in your state efforts to advance afterschool.  Your first place to start, if you are not already working together, is the Statewide Afterschool Network identified on your state's web page.  If there is no Statewide Afterschool Network, try the key contacts listed.

Legislation: Find tools and examples from other states on developing legislation to support afterschool programs.

State Budget Process: Learn how to work within the budget process to find funding for afterschool and see what other states have established.

Task Forces, Commissions & Advisory Committees: Several states have used this strategy to support and promote afterschool. Learn about the differences between each type of group, their benefits and limitations, and how to establish one and then make the most of it.

Governors’ Children’s Cabinets: Bringing state cabinet officials together to coordinate services to children and youth, including afterschool, is another strategy states are using. Find information on how to establish one and the pros and cons of doing so.

Ballot initiatives: Sometimes one has to go right to the voters. See what other states and cities have done, and find out the rules for your state.

 Statewide Afterschool Networks

Currently 41 states have statewide afterschool networks to coordinate and influence the systems that support the success of children and young people.

Each network is centered around three goals:

Goal 1: Create a sustainable structure of statewide, regional and local partnerships, particularly school-community partnerships, focused on supporting policy development at all levels.

Goal 2: Support the development and growth of statewide policies that will secure the resources that are needed to sustain new and existing afterschool programs.

Goal 3: Support statewide systems to ensure programs are of high quality.

View the Statewide Afterschool Networks Policy Review for 2007-2008.  The seven statewide afterschool networks profiled here illustrate policy successes—large and small—from across the country.  The seven case studies examine successful and replicable policy approaches that provided additional resources for more programs or led to significant support for access to quality programs.