For every $1 invested in afterschool, states and communities save $3.
Afterschool programs are a smart investment. Research shows that states and communities save $3 for every $1 invested in afterschool programs because they:
- Increase kids’ earning potential and attract new employers
- Improve kids’ performance at school
- Reduce crime and juvenile delinquency
Comprehensive Afterschool Programs Provide:
Academic Enrichment
Afterschool providers work to align programming with schools so youth can build on what they learned during the school day, but afterschool and summer learning programs specialize in making learning fun through games and projects. Youth who struggle with traditional learning often thrive in afterschool programs.
Enriching Experiences
Research shows that low-income rural and urban youth have fewer opportunities to learn through experiences, which reduces their opportunities for future work success. Afterschool and summer learning programs provide an array of experiences such as visits to colleges and trade schools, guests from various professional fields, field trips to zoos and museums and much more.
Family Engagement
As any teacher knows, a child’s family has a major impact on their learning and growth. Afterschool programs often have more frequent and positive interactions with families than schools since parents pick youth up from programs. Programs provide tools for parents to improve parenting skills, bond with youth and build job skills.
Social and Emotional Learning
Afterschool programs specialize in helping children develop social skills to get along with adults and children and emotional skills to deal with stress and solve problems creatively. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of these skills and youth need these interactions to catch up. Social and emotional learning helps youth avoid risky behaviors such as vaping, smoking and drug use.
Parents Agree Afterschool Programs Benefits Kids and Parents
Behind the demand: Missouri parents recognize benefits for children – safety, skills, and school engagement – and for giving working parents peace of mind. For parents fortunate enough to have their child in an afterschool program, they give programs high marks.
Parents say afterschool programs benefit kids:
- 74% Keeps them Safe
- 83% Builds social skills and responsible decision making
- 82% Boosts teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership skills
- 75% Supports well-being
- 74% Excites them about learning and improves school attendance
- 86% Encourages fun and learning decreasing screen time
Parents that say afterschool programs help them:
- 67% Helps them keep their job or work more hours
- 95% Leads to less stress because they know their child is safe
- 87% Boosts teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership skills
- 88% Supports well-being
