Afterschool Works for America
$0 for Afterschool Programs?
What will happen to our kids?
Don’t cut these programs. Afterschool works.
Kids in afterschool:
- get better grades
- attend school more often
- make gains in math and reading
- are more likely to graduate
- have higher incomes with better jobs as adults
- discover their passions
What can we do?
Contact Congress
The President's budget eliminates dedicated federal funding for local programs that serve 1.4 million children across the nation.
Loss of programs in your state
See how the proposed cut will affect programs in your state.
Get Involved
If we lose our afterschool and summer programs, kids and families will suffer.
Get the Word Out
Post on social media, local parent and community boards, newsletters – any place where community members might see it. Tag your Congressional representatives so they see it. Here are some samples:
- The President’s budget calls for eliminating dedicated federal funding for local afterschool and summer programs. 1 in 5 children may lose their programs nationwide. If you want to keep afterschool and summer Send a message to Congress: 3to6.co/congress #AfterschoolWorks
- Do you count on afterschool programs to keep kids safe and engaged? Local programs serving 1.4 million youth nationwide may close if Congress does not act - the President’s budget cuts federal funding for local afterschool and summer programs. Programs run by schools, community organizations, parks and rec centers, and more will suffer. Tell Congress to save afterschool and keep kids protected. 3to6.co/congress #AfterschoolWorks
Engage Families
Educate families about what’s at risk and encourage them to take action.
- Ask families to email Congress. Include a note in your emails or on social posts asking families to contact Congress:
- Kids and families across our state may lose their afterschool and summer programs if Congress agrees to the federal proposal to cut all funding for local programs. As many as 1 in 5 youth may be affected, including kids and programs in our state. Please take a moment to use this Action Center to have an email sent to our Congressional representatives reminding them how important our programs are. 3to6.co/Congress
- Collect postcards or letters. Distribute postcards or letter templates families can fill out with a personal note and their information. Deliver the messages to the local offices of your Congressional representatives.
- Mail the letters or hand deliver them – along with an invite to visit your program!
Host a Site Visit
There’s no better way to showcase the power and value of afterschool than showing people first hand. Invite your representatives in Congress and their staff to come visit your program. You do not need to get the Member of Congress there – having one of their staff join can be incredibly powerful. Our site visit toolkit helps you each step of the way, from preparing and planning, to drafting invitations, to following up after a great visit!
Generate Media Interest
Let media know that afterschool and summer programs are at risk.
- Send a letter to the editor (we will post a template soon).
- If your program receives federal funds, like a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, alert local education reporters, bloggers, and community boards about the prospect of your program closing.
- More media tips on the Afterschool Alliance website
Research Shows Afterschool Works
- National fact sheet on afterschool: This Is Afterschool (2025)
- Get the facts: 21st Century Community Learning Centers Brief (2025)
- Make the case: Research on the Impact of Afterschool and Summer Programs Brief (2024)
- Results are in: Voters Say Afterschool Programs are a Necessity Brief (2025)
- Show the economic benefits: Afterschool Programs Strengthen the Economy Fact Sheet (2025)
See more research at afterschoolalliance.org.
1101 14th St NW Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20005
(866) KIDS-TODAY | Email us
The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs.