Afterschool Policy

The Afterschool Alliance works with partners and advocates at the local, state, and federal levels to advance policies that increase access to quality afterschool, before-school, and summer learning programs for all children and young people with an emphasis on those most in need.

Public policy can help increase access to quality afterschool programs.

The Afterschool Alliance works with a wide range of allies and advocates to ensure public policy at the local, state and federal levels includes afterschool and summer learning programs as key components in helping students learn and grow, families balance work with home, and employers invest in the future.

Federal Policy. At the federal level we are advancing several key policy priorities for the 118th Congress while also fighting back on proposals to reduce or eliminate federal support for local programs. A key priority is ensuring increased funding for 21st Century Community Learning centers in appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2024. Our "take action" page is for those ready to advocate!

State Policy. Find state-specific data and contacts plus tools for devleoping and advancing policy at the state level. 

Local Policy. Mayors, local government, and school boards can enact policy that supports chidlren and families through increased access to quality programs. Partnerships are key to this work and this page provides tools that help advocates support programs through school-community partnerships at the local level.