Advocating for Afterschool and Summer Learning

Engaging School-Age Children in Enrichment and Learning

The Y is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of out-of-school time programs, with 500,000 children attending Y afterschool programs and more than 525,000 children attending Y summer day camp programs. Before school, afterschool and summer programs present opportunities to address opportunity gaps and boost in-school success, help develop employability skills and prepare kids for college and career. These programs also support working families by providing safe, supervised programs and activities.

Each dollar invested in afterschool programs saves up to $39 by increasing learning potential, improving student performance in school and reducing crime and welfare costs. Out-of-school time programs at the Y–many supported by 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) funding–enhance what kids learn during the school day and create new experiences that give them opportunities to explore STEM careers, participate in service learning projects and develop decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills, and so much more.

Afterschool and Summer Learning Advocacy Priorities

• Support afterschool and summer learning programs by increasing funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC). This program funds engaging academic enrichment opportunities that inspire kids to learn, make good decisions and give parents peace of mind. Research shows that quality afterschool programs can equip students with skills they need to succeed and can lead to improvements in attendance, class participation, class behavior and homework completion. Current funding levels (for 21st CCLC) enable 1.5 million children to participate in safe and supervised programs. However, for every child in an afterschool program in this country, three more are waiting to get in. One in five YMCA afterschool programs receive 21st CCLC funding, in partnership with schools.
• Support affordable child care for working families by increasing funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). CCDBG supports economically disadvantaged families by increasing the availability, affordability and quality of child care. Nearly half (45%) of CCDBG funding enables families with children under the age of 13 to secure afterschool opportunities, providing parents the comfort of knowing their children are in safe, healthy environments while they work or pursue education and training opportunities.

The Y is a nonprofit like no other. JOIN US AND ADVOCATE!