Afterschool Alliance Research

Afterschool Innovations in Brief (2008)

With support from MetLife Foundation, the Afterschool Alliance is proud to present this compilation of four issue briefs examining critical issues facing children, schools and communities, and the vital role afterschool programs play in addressing these issues. The four briefs address: teacher recruitment and retention; bridging schools and communities; fostering success in school; and supporting family involvement in schools.

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Afterschool Innovations in Brief: Engaging Middle School Youth (2011)

With support from MetLife Foundation, the Afterschool Alliance is proud to present this compendium of four issue briefs examining critical issues facing middle school youth, schools and communities, and the vital role afterschool programs play in addressing these issues. The four briefs address: the multiple benefits of afterschool for middle school youth; Science, Technology, Math and Engineering (STEM); health and wellness for pre-teens and teens; and pathways to higher education and careers.

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Afterschool Innovations in Brief: Focusing on Older Youth (2009)

With support from MetLife Foundation, the Afterschool Alliance is proud to present this compendium of four issue briefs examining critical issues facing older youth, and the vital role afterschool programs play in addressing these issues. The four briefs address: opening doors to work and careers; the challenge of recruiting and retaining older youth; high school dropout prevention; and a place for older youth to mentor and be mentored.

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Afterschool Partnerships with Higher Education (2007)

Community partnerships are the cornerstone of some of the most successful afterschool programs. This brief describes the benefits higher education institutions can provide as partners to afterschool programs. College students can serve as mentors, tutors or youth workers, and faculty can provide assistance with evaluations or curriculum development—all of which can be beneficial to college students and institutions in return.

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Afterschool Programs Help Working Families (2003)

Today, less than one-fourth of American families portray the "traditional" image of one parent at home while the other parent provides financial support. This makes accessible, affordable childcare more necessary than ever before. With work hours increasing and flexibility decreasing, the burden on parents, dangers for children and drain on employers is continuing to grow. This brief examines the ways in which working parents, their children, and employers can all benefit from quality afterschool programs.

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Afterschool Programs Inspiring Students with a Connected Learning Approach (January 2015)

Connected learning, an educational approach that integrates student interest and peer networks with academic pursuit, has been shown to create a deeper form of learning that help students succeed in school, work and life. Afterschool programs have been pioneers in this approach, with environments well-suited for connected learning. This report presents the benefits of the connected learning approach and explores how afterschool can continue to integrate the principles of connected learning into programs.

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Executive Summary

Afterschool Programs Keep Kids Safe, Engage Kids in Learning and Help Working Families (2014)

A concise overview of the state of afterschool in the U.S., as well as key research on the benefits and outcomes associated with participation in programs. 

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Afterschool Programs Level the Playing Field for All Youth (2004)

This brief describes how afterschool programs have an opportunity to help disadvantaged youth catch up with their peers when the regular school day may not provide enough time or resources to address the various economic, language, or cultural barriers some students face.

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Afterschool Programs Open, but Still Recovering Post-Pandemic (February 2023)

In a survey of 1,016 afterschool program providers, conducted between October 24 and November 30, 2022, more than 9 in 10 report that they are open, with majorities providing their students with opportunities for academic enrichment, collaboration and connection with their peers, building foundational skills, and leadership opportunities. However, while providers are increasingly reporting that they have been able to return to pre-COVID capacity limits, there are still nearly 1 in 4 providers who say that they have not been able to return to their regular operational capacity.

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Featured Topline

Afterschool Programs Strengthen Communities (2004)

As people work longer hours, endure longer commutes and manage busier schedules, they have less time to socialize or join community organizations. This means it has become increasingly difficult for individuals to get to know their neighbors and communities. This brief explores how afterschool programs can play an important role in strengthening communities by offering a safe and stable environment for youth and providing opportunity for school and community partnerships.

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