Program Toolbox recently updated for new, established, and growing programs

Starting a new program or working to grow a program can be exciting and fulfilling—but it can take hard work. We’ve created a toolbox of resources to help you at every point in the process. With a variety of guides, tools, case studies, and best practices from out-of-school time experts and organizations, our program toolbox is an invaluable resource for all afterschool program providers.

Divided into four sections, explore the resources that best meet your needs:

I am looking to start a program in my community

If you are looking to start an afterschool program in your community, we have the tools you need to get started. Now is the time to think about the needs of your community, the age group you will be serving, the services you want to offer, and the needs of your staff. Get off to a strong start with start-up guides from various state networks and map out your curriculum with a list of best practices for different age groups.

Investing in your afterschool staff and management can help ensure a strong and successful program. Take a look at the practitioner’s guides, training toolkits, and afterschool research to help you get started in the development of your program.

I currently run a program, but I want to continue improving my offerings

Running a program means keeping up with all the moving parts and needs of students, staff, and the community. Case studies and community-specific program examples offer a look into how afterschool programs are serving different communities, from rural to urban to native populations. If you are looking to supplement your program’s activities or incorporate different subjects into your program, our comprehensive list of virtual learning and STEM curricula offer age-appropriate and engaging lessons.

Here you can also take a deep dive into what makes a high-quality afterschool program, with fifteen years of afterschool research, issue briefs, and principles of expanded learning.

I need support to help sustain my program

Ensuring the long-term success of your afterschool program can involve securing funding, cultivating partnerships, and marketing your program to the community and media. Our funding database, funding tools, online tutorials, and case studies can help guide your efforts to sustain your program’s reach. Cultivating partnerships also offers opportunities that can yield to funding, support, and more for your program. Here you can find success stories of how afterschool programs are partnering with community-based organizations, businesses, and local leaders.

Marketing and media tools are also available to help elevate your program and build support in your community. These tools are critical for reaching a diverse audience, whether policymakers, potential families, or afterschool supporters in your state. Learn how to leverage social media, build a program profile, and create a strong marketing campaign for your program.

I need extra support

Our program toolbox offers access to state networks to help you stay updated on all things afterschool in your state. Find contacts in your state, local funding information, and facts and figures on how children in your state spend their hours after school. Resources in this section also include a list of professional development opportunities and conferences from out-of-school time organizations.

Head to the program toolbox dashboard to help you get started in planning your out-of-school time programming for the upcoming year!