The Importance of Afterschool Programs: A Nationwide Movement for Educational Equity
Afterschool programs play a crucial role in providing children and youth with a secure environment to connect with peers and engage in educational activities after the school day concludes. Research consistently indicates that these programs significantly enhance students’ academic performance, while simultaneously fostering community involvement and life skills development. With offerings such as homework assistance, mentorship, nutritious meals, exposure to STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), as well as college and career preparation, afterschool programs are instrumental in helping children thrive both academically and socially.
In recognition of the significant impact of these programs, over a million advocates will converge at approximately 8,000 events nationwide this fall for the Lights On Afterschool 2025 initiative—an annual celebration highlighting the vital role of afterschool services. Events showcasing diverse activities are being held across the country, demonstrating the programs’ integration into community life. For instance, families in Alabama participated in a spooky science lab filled with engaging experiments, while California held a Dia de los Muertos celebration emphasizing culture and community, complete with book giveaways and student presentations. Additionally, students in Idaho contributed to a local food bank by apple-picking, and in Massachusetts, older students assisted their younger peers at a Read-a-Thon event.
Superstar musician Usher has lent his support for the second consecutive year by serving as the honorary chair of Lights On Afterschool. Across the nation, notable landmarks—including Niagara Falls and the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans—were illuminated in the initiative’s signature yellow and blue colors during October to signify support for afterschool programming.
Jodi Grant, Executive Director of the Afterschool Alliance—the nonprofit organization that spearheads Lights On Afterschool—remarked, “Afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and provide working families with peace of mind knowing their children are supervised and engaged in productive activities.” However, Grant highlighted a troubling discrepancy: three out of four children whose parents express a desire for afterschool programs are currently without access due to affordability and availability issues.
A recent study commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance revealed that approximately 29.6 million children—over half of school-aged youths in the United States—are in families that prioritize afterschool programs. Yet, less than 7 million are enrolled in such services. Despite this high demand, satisfaction rates remain significantly positive, with 95% of parents reporting contentment with existing programs.
This year, as the Lights On Afterschool initiative unfolds, it faces challenges amid ongoing cuts to federal education funding and proposals aimed at reducing government-supported afterschool initiatives. In light of these obstacles, Grant emphasized the urgent need for increased investment from various sectors, including government entities, businesses, and philanthropic organizations: “We need more funding at all levels to ensure quality afterschool programs are available for every child. Access to a robust afterschool program is a right that every child deserves.”
For more insights into afterschool programs and the Lights On Afterschool campaign, please visit the Afterschool Alliance website at afterschoolalliance.org.