Resources to help you Engage Every Student from wherever you sit

New parent data shows that for every child in an afterschool program, there are now four more who are waiting for an available program. It is more important than ever to amplify ways for programs, communities, districts, and states to connect every student to an afterschool program that wants one.

The Afterschool Alliance recently hosted the #EngageEveryStudent Twitter Chat with initiative partners U.S Department of Education, AASA: The Schools Superintendents Association, Comprehensive Center Network, National League of Cities, and National Summer Learning Association. The chat highlighted what the Engage Every Student initiative is and how groups can become involved, examples of investments in afterschool and summer learning programs, and resources available to help communities and districts form partnerships with programs to support learning recovery. The Twitter chat included a diverse range of national organizations, afterschool state networks, cities, and local programs. 

Wherever you are in the process, below you will find resources to help you start partnering with your districts, building your case for investments for out-of-school time programs, and engaging every student.

Current situation

Now more than ever, every child needs access to the critical supports and benefits out-of-school (OST) time programs provide. Every Hour Counts adds, "#afterschool and #summer programs don’t just focus on learning, they also attend to the needs that must be met if children are to learn, grow, and thrive– free meals in summer, access to wellness checks, etc. are accessed through these programs.” 

At the local level, the Alabama Expanded Learning Alliance cites that the state ranks 49th in reading and 52nd in math. They assert, “to close the gap, children need the opportunity to participate in #afterschool programs aimed at providing better academic and life outcomes.”

However, support for afterschool remains strong. Emily Young, Program Specialist for National League of Cities highlights that an increasing number of cities acknowledge the role OST programs play in supporting families during the pandemic. “NLC research finds cities are increasing their investments in OST programs during pandemic recovery, and many plan to continue doing so,” tweets the National League of Cities.

Available funding and how states are investing in afterschool

Through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), states and districts now have funding to support partnerships with out-of-school time learning programs to support the recovery of students nationwide. A new map from the Afterschool Alliance and National League of Cities shows where and how these funds are being invested, with success stories to help guide others in their pursuit of funds for afterschool.

Alabama Expanded Learning Alliance tweets a local example of ARP investments in afterschool, “ARP funding allows districts like Oneonta City Schools to provide an afterschool program for grades K-6 which includes small group instruction on reading, math, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning.” Similarly, National League of Cities shares that the city of Memphis, Tennessee has invested more than $20 million into afterschool and summer programs. In Kentucky, Covington Schools and Covington Partners partnered together to use ARP funds to create Camp Covington. For more innovative uses of ARP funds, see a new video from the Comprehensive Center Network.

Evidence-based practices and what makes a good program

Out-of-school time programs help meet the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of students, and have strong reach in underserved communities. U.S Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona adds, “a quality program blends the rigor of school with the relaxing nature of summer & after school. We’re not trying to take away students’ free time, but rather, show them how learning & fun can intersect.” Every Hour Counts uplifts a Measurement Framework from the Wallace Foundation, where programs can assess their programming and ensure youth are engaged meaningfully. 

Comprehensive afterschool programs follow key principles that can lend themselves to fostering a supportive and engaging program. These can include “strong school-community partnerships, hands-on learning opportunities, and diverse staff.” Other participants also necessitate the need for fun activities and time for connecting with peers. The Boys & Girls Club of America tweets, “Programs at Clubs provide youth a safe space to learn, grow and have FUN!” The Wyoming Afterschool Alliance highlights the importance of hands-on learning opportunities that empower youth to try new things. 

Resources available

An abundance of resources were mentioned for those looking to strengthen and expand afterschool supports and programming. For districts, community organizations, or cities looking to implement high-quality, comprehensive programming, the Afterschool Alliance points participants to brief with key principles for comprehensive afterschool programs. Community organizations that run afterschool and summer programs can also find tips on reaching out to school districts on the Afterschool Alliance ARP page. The National League of Cities tweets a link to the Afterschool Policy Advisors’ Network, where afterschool professionals can connect with other leaders in the field. For technical assistance in “developing RFPs, identifying contracting structures, specifying outcomes and measures, recruiting, and selecting vendors, monitoring progress, and more,” Comprehensive Center Network shares a previous webinar with expert tips and strategies.

From wherever you sit, there are resources available to help you make the case for afterschool in your community. From messaging guides for city leaders to pointers for reaching out to your school district, participants shared comprehensive and timely resources for all afterschool advocates to help strengthen afterschool systems in their community.

Secretary Miguel Cardona closes, “Find what your community and students enjoy & need - then work to meet that need. Bring students, teachers, and families to the table! Programs should be starting points for student leadership and exploration in addition to academics.” 

To learn more about the initiative, head to the Engage Every Student website and see how you can become an ally. To see the full event recap, check out part one and part two of our #EngageEveryStudent Twitter moment.