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Fact Sheets

Introduce yourself to the basics

Familiarize yourself with all things afterschool in these short and to-the-point fact sheets that cover everything from figures on participation in afterschool to outcomes associated with afterschool.

The research on afterschool programs is vast and continues to grow, with more than 15 years’ worth of evaluations and data on afterschool program participation spanning a decade. This section includes materials that present the highlights of afterschool facts and figures in a short and succinct package. Looking for figures that establish the need for afterschool programs? Interested in the key outcomes associated with afterschool program participation? You’re in the right place.

America After 3PM

Spans a decade of data chronicling how children spend the hours between 3 and 6 p.m.

21st CCLC Facts and Figures (May 2025)

Learn more about 21st CCLC, a critical source of funding for many afterschool programs.

Afterschool in Your State

Find state-specific information on the condition of afterschool in your state, including federal funding levels and public support for afterschool.

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21st Century Community Learning Centers: The evidence base (Feb 2020) 21st Century Community Learning Centers: The evidence base (Feb 2020) Over the course of more than 20 years, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative has expanded and evolved to offer elementary, middle, and high schoolers enriching learning activities outside of the school day in literacy, math, science, the arts, and music, as well as hands-on experiences to help develop workforce skills. This document provides a small sampling of current research that demonstrates participation in Community Learning Centers makes a positive difference in the lives of the young people they serve. 21st CCLC Evaluations	Download
5 Facts about Rural School Districts’ Pandemic Relief Spending on Afterschool and Summer Programs (March 2024) Following up on the report “Investments in Student Recovery: A Review of School Districts’ Use of American Rescue Plan Funding to Support Afterschool and Summer Opportunities,” this fact sheet takes a closer look at if and how rural school districts have allocated their American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds toward afterschool and summer programming. Federal Funding Federal Policy Rural COVID-19	Download Featured
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.	Download
Afterschool Programs Strengthen the Economy (January 2025) This fact sheet illustrates the research demonstrating how afterschool programs empower families, save businesses money, and help young people become stronger learners, earners, and leaders -- making them a smart investment.	Download
Afterschool STEM: Re-engaging students in an equitable recovery The hands-on learning approach of quality afterschool STEM programs offers a natural platform for reengaging students as they return to classrooms. Hands-on, project-based STEM learning in afterschool supports students in connecting what they learn in the classroom to future careers while developing a new generation of problem solvers in STEM fields. STEM	Download
Afterschool Supports Children’s Well-Being and Healthy Development (May 2023) Recent studies describe the rise in young people across the country experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress, and aggression. At the same time, research has found that this time period during adolescence is “the second most critical period of development” in a person’s life and is shaped by the environments that they move through. This fact sheet highlights the essential role that afterschool and summer programs play to support the healthy development of young people, serving as a safe space that fosters belonging, develops supportive relationships with peers and adult mentors, encourages healthy behaviors, and helps young people build and cultivate the skills necessary to navigate through the struggles and challenges they may come up against in life. Health and Wellness	Download Featured
Afterschool Supports Students' Success (May 2016) Afterschool programs across the county are inspiring learning, providing safe and supportive environments, and giving students the essential supports they need to succeed in school and beyond. This fact sheet and accompanying appendix highlights research that shows that afterschool programs are helping support students’ success.	Download Appendix
America After 3PM and the African American Community (Oct 2014) The Afterschool Alliance is proud to present this fact sheet as part of the third edition of America After 3PM, which spans a decade of household survey data chronicling how children spend the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. This fact sheet highlights the key findings related to the African American community and analyzes overall parent responses.	Download
America After 3PM and the Hispanic Community (Oct 2014) The Afterschool Alliance is proud to present this fact sheet as part of the third edition of America After 3PM, which spans a decade of household survey data chronicling how children spend the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. This fact sheet highlights the key findings related to the Hispanic community and analyzes overall parent responses.	Download
Career & Technical Education: Preparing young people for the jobs of tomorrow Afterschool programs are critical partners for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and help young people develop skills that employers need.	Download