What are the Benefits of Partnering with Local Communities in Education?
Table of Contents
Introduction
Children spend an average of 80% of their days out of school, prompting policymakers to provide more expanded learning opportunities beyond regular school hours. Afterschool programs, also known as OST (Out-of-School Time) programs, have emerged as valuable resources that provide academic support, enrichment activities, workforce development opportunities, mentoring relationships and more. These programs aim to enhance the overall development and well-being of children of all ages.
The Research on Afterschool Programs
Research consistently demonstrates that high-quality afterschool programs have a positive impact on students’ educational outcomes, school attendance, and social and emotional learning. Recognizing the diverse needs of children and youth across different age groups, quality afterschool programs cater to their academic, psychological, and physical activity requirements.
Regular participation in these programs has been linked to lower dropout rates and a narrowing of achievement gaps, particularly among low-income students. Additionally, for older youth, afterschool programs can contribute to a reduction in risky behaviors and the development of college and career-readiness skills.
While afterschool programming has shown to improve social and emotional outcomes for students, research indicates certain key elements are needed for success. These include regular attendance, well-trained staff, and high-quality programming.
The Afterschool Data Project
The Afterschool Alliance has been at the forefront of documenting how children and youth spend their afterschool hours through their comprehensive national and state-specific reports since 2004. Their 2020 America After 3PM report revealed a persistent demand for afterschool programs, with three children waiting for every one enrolled. This translates to approximately 25 million children being unable to access afterschool programs due to barriers such as program cost, availability, and transportation or accessibility challenges.
GIS Map Projects
- [Link to data reports or mapping tools]
Return-On-Investment (ROI) Projects
- [Link to data reports or mapping tools]
Funding for Afterschool
Afterschool activities provide valuable opportunities for children to explore their interests, develop skills, and foster social connections outside of the traditional school setting. However, not all parents can easily afford the costs associated with these activities. Financial constraints can pose challenges for families, limiting their ability to enroll their children in extracurricular programs.
From enrollment fees to transportation expenses or even the cost of necessary equipment or materials, the cumulative financial burden can become overwhelming. This situation can be particularly difficult for low-income families or those facing financial hardships. According to Afterschool Alliance’s America After 3PM data, for the first time in more than a decade, the number of children in an afterschool program has decreased because of barriers.
Federal Funding
The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program stands as the sole dedicated federal funding source specifically designed for local afterschool, before-school, and summer learning programs. Currently, this program serves nearly 2 million youths through state education-awarded grants.
However, research highlights various barriers that hinder access to afterschool programming, with funding being a major concern. Cost and limited availability continue to prevent many parents from enrolling their children in afterschool programs, with approximately 3 in 5 parents citing these reasons.
Despite the increased demand, federal funding for the 21st CCLC program has not kept pace with inflation, resulting in a $10 million decrease in inflation-adjusted terms since 2014. Consequently, the responsibility for funding such programs falls heavily on states, communities, and families.
While there is strong bipartisan parent support for public funding of afterschool programs, allocating additional funding can be challenging due to tight state budgets.
Conclusion
Partnering with local communities in education can have numerous benefits for students. Afterschool programs offer a range of opportunities for children to enhance their educational outcomes, develop social and emotional skills, and explore their interests outside of regular school hours. However, financial constraints and limited availability pose significant barriers to accessing these programs.
Federal funding through the 21st CCLC program plays a crucial role in supporting afterschool programming, but it is not sufficient to meet the demand. Partnering with local communities can help bridge this gap by leveraging resources, expertise, and community connections to expand access to high-quality afterschool programs.
By working together, policymakers, educators, parents, and community organizations can create a supportive environment that maximizes the benefits of afterschool programs for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. It is essential to prioritize funding and resources to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in afterschool activities that promote their overall development and well-being.
