State Policy
More than half of U.S. states have created funding streams for afterschool and summer learning programs.
As of 2026, state investments total $5.7 billion. Thats nearly 20x larger than in 2000.
We’ve gathered examples of vehicles and policies used across the states to support state funding for afterschool and summer programs.
Use these resources as your playbook to advance state funding.
Be sure to team up with your state afterschool network; the state network leads policy and partnerships to expand state investments in afterschool and summer.
In this playbook, we examine state-level success stories and how they secured investments for afterschool by leveraging four key strategies:
Read the full playbook, or explore the appendices:
These case studies look at how and why states established funding streams. They offer practical models—and proof points—for advocates working at the state level.
Alabama$17.3 million 2025 |
In 2025, Alabama approved $17.3 million for afterschool — its first-ever permanent state investment — after a years-long advocacy campaign that started with a $1.5M pilot in 2022. The legislature also established the Joint Interim Study Commission on Expanding Access to High-Quality Out-of-School Time Programs (HJR 100) to guide future policy. |
AlaskaApproximately $1.8 million 2018 |
In 2018, the state legislature passed SB 104 to allocate 25% of the state cannabis excise tax to the Marijuana Use Education and Treatment Fund. In practice, but not in enacted language, half of the Fund is designated for afterschool programming. |
Georgia$12.5 million 2025 |
In 2025, Georgia's General Assembly made history by including $12.5 million in recurring annual funding in the FY26 budget — the state's first-ever dedicated afterschool and summer funding stream. Built on the federally-funded BOOST initiative launched in 2021, this investment ensures continued support statewide. |
IDAHO$1.5 million 2026 |
The Millennium Fund Committee, informed by advocates’ groundwork and Superintendent Critchfield’s ask, advanced the proposal, and the Idaho Legislature passed S1215, appropriating $1.5 million from the Idaho Millennium Income Fund for afterschool programs. In 2026, Idaho lawmakers renewed their commitment with a second consecutive $1.5 million appropriation. Read the Idaho Funding Spotlight |
Michigan$75 million 2025 |
Michigan has steadily increased its investment in afterschool over five consecutive years. In FY2026, state leaders approved $75 million for the 32n grant program under MiLEAP. |
Minnesota$30 million 2023 |
In the FY24 state budget, the Minnesota legislature committed $30 million of the $45 million proposed by the governor to fund the After-School Community Learning Grant program through FY27. At the governor’s urging, the legislation required grants to support organizations that primarily provide culturally and academically enriching programming to historically underserved students. |
New Mexico$20 million 2023 |
In 2023, New Mexico made history: for the first time, the state legislature dedicated funding specifically for afterschool and summer learning programs, providing $10 million in the fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget. |
New York$116 million 2024-2025 |
The FY24-25 budget consolidated Advantage After School and ESAP into the Learning and Enrichment Afterschool Program Supports (LEAPS) program, funded at an unprecedented $97.5 million. |
Pennsylvania$11.5 million 2024 |
In 2024, Pennsylvania approved $11.5 million for BOOST (Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time) — the state's first dedicated afterschool investment. The win was backed by a state ROI study showing every $1 invested in afterschool yields $6.69 in returns. |
Texas$5 million 2023 |
In 2023, Texas allocated $5 million in its biennial budget for community-based afterschool programs — the first direct state investment in afterschool in Texas history, and the only new Article III (Education) funding approved that session. Advocates are now working to expand the investment and align it with the 21st CCLC program. |
Vermont$10 million 2023 |
As of 2020, the Legislature facilitated sustainable funding for afterschool with the forthcoming legalization of cannabis. The Task Force for Universal Afterschool, with input from Vermont Afterschool, collaborated to conceptualize a cannabis-funded grant program ahead of retail sale in 2022. |
Currently, 50 states have statewide afterschool networks to coordinate and influence the systems that support the success of children.
Each network is centered around three goals:
To learn more about the statewide afterschool networks and get in touch with key contacts in your state, visit StatewideAfterschoolNetworks.net.
1101 14th St NW Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20005
(866) KIDS-TODAY | Email us
The Afterschool Alliance is working to ensure that all children have access to affordable, quality afterschool programs. Afterschool programs are critical to children and families today, yet the need for programs is far from being met. Learn more
