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.

Date Title

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Investments in Student Recovery: 5 Facts about High-Poverty School Districts’ Pandemic Relief Spending on Afterschool and Summer Programs (May 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 examines high-poverty school districts’ spending of American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds on afterschool and summer programming.

Federal Funding Federal Policy COVID-19

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Featured

This is Afterschool (May 2024)

This fact sheet includes data points on how afterschool programs are accelerating students' academic growth, supporting their well-being, and helping working families. Additionally, it highlights the overwhelming support afterschool programs have from voters across the political spectrum.

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Featured

21st CCLC Facts and Figures (May 2024)

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs. In addition to providing an updated overview of 21st CCLC programs, which currently serve more than 1.3 million students, this brief highlights the activities and supports provided by programs; the impact programs have on students’ school-day attendance, academics, and behavior; and addresses the current state of funding for the initiative. This brief also includes a callout feature on 21st CCLC programs increasing engagement in school and reducing chronic absenteeism.

21st CCLC Federal Funding Federal Policy

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Featured Absenteeism feature

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

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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—from birth through young adulthood—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

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21st CCLC Facts and Figures (May 2023)

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs. In addition to providing an updated overview of 21st CCLC, including the number of students and families served and activities and supports provided by programs, the brief highlights the impact programs have on students’ academic and behavioral outcomes and addresses the current state of funding for the initiative.

21st CCLC

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21st CCLC Facts and Figures (May 2022)

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs. In addition to information regarding how 21st CCLC programs have responded to the needs of their communities during the pandemic, this fact sheet provides an updated overview of the 21st CCLC program, highlights its outcomes and benefits, and addresses the current state of funding.

21st CCLC Federal Policy

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Featured

This is Afterschool (May 2022)

This fact sheet includes data points on how afterschool and summer programs are accelerating students' learning and growth, promoting healthy futures, and providing peace of mind to working parents. Despite programs being vital partners in supporting students’ well-being and academic growth, too many kids are being left out.

21st CCLC Summer Learning

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Featured

Thriving in Afterschool: Promoting Healthy Futures for Young People (June 2021)

Afterschool and summer enrichment programs have been a consistent source of support to young people and families who are juggling remote school or work, dealing with the health and economic stressors created by the pandemic, and managing the toll that COVID-19 is taking on their mental health and overall well-being. Throughout 2020 and into 2021, afterschool and summer learning programs have risen to meet the needs of their students and families, finding ways to support them as the nation continues to navigate the short- and long-term effects of the pandemic.

Health and Wellness

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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

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