Federal Afterschool Policy

The Afterschool Alliance has several key policy priorities for the 119th Congress, aimed at increasing access to quality afterschool and summer learning programs for all young people with an emphasis on children most in need. For the latest policy updates, see our monthly Policy Pulse series.

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative. Central to increasing access to programs and building program quality is ensuring that local afterschool and summer learning programs are able to leverage federal funding. 21stCCLC is the primary source of federal afterschool and summer learning funding. For fiscal year 2026, we urge Congress and the Administration to fund 21st CCLC at the $2 billion level to help ensure access to quality out of school time programs for children and their families.

Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) School-age children represent approximately 45 percent of all chidlren served through CCDBG. Strengthening school-age program quality and access continues be a priority at the federal as well as state and local level.

Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act reauthorized in July 2018 is an opportunity to build career pathways and include afterschool and summer learning programs as partners in the effort to provide students with activities and experiences such as competency based learning, hands-on STEM, mentorships, site-visits and apprenticeships.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) - increasing access to quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) afterschool. Learn how to make the case for afterschool STEM with talking points and other resources from The Afterschool STEM Hub.

Child Nutrition Reauthorization Improving access to nutritious meals in afterschool and summer learning programs is vital - including streamlining federal child nutrition programs like the afterschool meal and summer feeding programs , and increasing physical education and activity, nutrition education and access to nutritious food in out of school time programs.

Student Well-being. Supporting health and wellness is an important aspect of out-of-school time (OST) programs, from providing access to nutritious foods and promoting healthy habits, to keeping students physically fit and supporting mental health.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) In addition to 21st CCLC (Title IV part B), Title I, Title IV Part A, and Title IV Part F funds of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) can support local afterschool programs.

Higher Education Act (HEA) provides many opportunities for collaboration between afterschool and summer programs and institutions of higher education including college preparation, teacher training and pathways, and child care for college going students.

A critcial fight for the afterschool field is to ensure increased funding for 21st Century Community Learning centers in appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026. Our "take action" page is for those ready to advocate! You can also learn more about bills we are watching through our Policy News blog.

Reach out to us at any time if you have a question about a piece of federal legislation.

Additional Federal Policy Issues

Older Youth and Afterschool: Partnering to Improve Results As the nation struggles to improve high school achievement and prepare the next generation for college and the 21st century workforce, it is clear that older youth in the middle grades are critical. More time is often needed to ensure that students are prepared during these transition years for long-term success. The Afterschool Alliance has research and policy efforts aimed at securing more support for afterschool programs serving older youth.

Afterschool in Rural Communities: The Investment in Afterschool Programs Act  Afterschool programs are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of young people in rural communities.  That’s why the Afterschool Alliance is working with Congress to create a funding stream specifically for afterschool programs in rural communities.

Congressional Caucuses

A list of the current members of the House and Senate Afterschool Caucuses. See if your Rep is a member.

Federal Legislation

View current bills in Congress relating to afterschool programs.

Local Policy

Community-level data and contacts plus tools for developing and advancing afterschool policy at the local level.