This Valentine’s Day, we’re proudly joining the Afterschool Alliance and afterschool programs nationwide to declare—We Love High-Quality Afterschool Programs! These programs are essential for ensuring children’s safety, fostering supportive relationships, nurturing a sense of belonging and providing invaluable learning opportunities. More than just a place for kids to be when school’s out, high-quality afterschool programs have proven to significantly boost academic performance, create long-lasting benefits for children, youth and the communities where they live.
Brandon, a former afterschool attendee at Forest Hill Elementary, now CEO of BrandX Company, shares his experience:
“I’ve always attended afterschool every year, and honestly, it was some of the best times I had while in school! Looking back, I believe the social benefits of afterschool helped me develop the ability to collaborate with others. We had plenty of time to play with friends and engage in activities, unlike in a classroom setting. And it was a huge help for my mom, who raised my sister and me as a single parent.”
Afterschool programs aren’t just fun – they provide a pathway to balanced academic outcomes for children, who do not have access arts, sciences and extracurricular activities like sports, receive equal opportunities to grow and excel alongside affluent peers’.
For example, in 2023-2024, Prime Time offered more than 210,000 hands-on learning experiences across Palm Beach County afterschool programs impacting more than 29,000 youth through its expanded learning opportunity (ELO) providers.
“As a teaching artist in afterschool programs, I find joy in helping children grow creatively, socially, and academically. Through hands-on projects, I see them explore new ideas, problem-solve, and build confidence. I’m also inspired by the dedication of other counselors who provide support, encouragement, and guidance, creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Together, we make learning fun, meaningful, and community-driven.” - Steve (pictured below), Teaching Artist, Center for Creative Education, a 2024-25 Prime Time ELO provider
I've seen firsthand how these programs can foster confidence, creativity, and social skills. Afterschool enrichment programs are crucial because they address gaps in learning, boost social and emotional development, and give children the tools they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. - Lauren Pedic, Read! Lead! Succeed! Program Manager, Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, a 2024-25 Prime Time ELO provider
Beyond academics, high-quality afterschool programs foster a sense of belonging and support emotional regulation, social skill development to help reduce behavior problems. In fact, Florida 21st CCLC participants also saw improvements in behavior, with 84% of students experiencing a decrease in in school suspensions compared to the previous year. Just another powerful reason we LOVE afterschool!
“Afterschool isn’t just about the difference we make in kids’ lives—it’s about the difference they make in ours. Watching them grow, overcome challenges, and find their confidence has shaped me just as much as I’ve guided them. These programs give kids a safe place to belong, to dream bigger, and to believe in themselves. And in return, they teach us patience, resilience, and the true meaning of impact. Afterschool changes lives—on both sides.” - Nicky (pictured below with colleagues), Afterschool Director, Loxahatchee Groves Elementary Afterschool Program
More than 80% of Florida parents agree that afterschool programs help them to keep their jobs and provide them with peace of mind knowing that their children are safe.3
“Afterschool programs embody the best aspects of education—engaging, supportive, and enriching experiences that extend beyond the school day. I was fortunate to participate in afterschool as a child, and even more fortunate to later work under the leadership of my former afterschool counselor. Her dedication to ensuring the safety, happiness, and well-being of both students and staff has been truly inspiring. Afterschool is more than a program—it’s a community that fosters growth, connection and opportunity.” -Elijah Lindsey, Afterschool Professional, Loxahatchee Groves Elementary Afterschool
Call to Action (two minutes):
Congress has passed a continuing resolution funding the government through March 14, 2025, and will be making funding decisions soon on the FY 2025 Labor, Heath and Human Services, Education spending bill. The House has proposed steep cuts to a number of programs that support afterschool and summer learning, making it critical that your members of Congress hear about the programs that are the utmost priority for your community.
Please reach out to your members of Congress to thank them for their past support and call on them to increase funding for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) initiative – the only federal funding stream dedicated to supporting local school and community-based afterschool, before-school and summer learning programs. Increased funding is also needed for the Child Care Development Block Grant, which can help parents provide school-age afterschool and summer programs to their children. Finally - maintaining and increasing funding for AmeriCorps is vital to support the afterschool and summer learning programs of which so many young people and families depend on.
Click here to send a message to Congress about why you love afterschool (two minutes)
Let’s continue to show our love and support for afterschool programs that are making such a profound difference in the lives of children, families and communities across the nation.
To learn more about afterschool programs in Florida, click here.
