Why After School Programs Matter More Than Ever
After school programs have always offered students a safe space to learn and grow, but in 2025 they are more important than ever. With rising academic pressures, social emotional challenges, and increased screen time, children need learning environments that support the whole child through more than just academics. The evidence is strong that high quality after school programs deliver that support and more.
“Students in after school programs show improved attendance, behavior, and academic performance.”
The Demand is Greater Than the Supply
According to America After 3PM: Demand Grows, Opportunity Shrinks, more than 24.6 million children in the U.S. lack access to after school programs, an increase of about 60 percent since 2004. While nearly 10 million children participated in 2014, that number dropped to 8 million by 2020. Low income households were hit the hardest, with participation falling from 4.6 million to 2.7 million (Afterschool Alliance, 2023).
24.6 million children in the U.S. do not have access to after school programs.
The Academic Benefits are Clear
Schools that implement federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Center programs report that nearly 50 percent of chronically absent students improved their school-day attendance (DEASN, 2023). In Indiana, students who attended after school 90+ days showed stronger outcomes: 73 percent earned a “B” or higher in math, and 72 percent did so in English Language Arts (Afterschool Alliance, 2023).
Emotional Growth Matters Too
After school programs build more than academics. A YMCA study in North Carolina found that 87 percent of students in grades 3–5 improved in at least one social emotional learning capacity like self management or positive identity, and two thirds grew in two or more (NC YMCA Alliance, 2023).
How TMT Responds
At Teach Me Technology (TMT), our after school programs are structured around what works. We combine STEM education, creative arts, and physical movement in hands on, project based activities. This allows students to explore real world challenges while practicing collaboration, communication, and problem solving.
We also prioritize representation and mentorship, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds see themselves reflected in our instructors and curriculum. Parents recognize the importance of this, with 88 percent of families favoring public funding for after school programs in underserved communities (Overdeck Foundation, 2023).
A Growing Part of Education
The National Center for Education Statistics reported that 87 percent of U.S. public schools offered after school programs in 2023–24, and 64 percent included a strong academic focus (NCES, 2023). Far from being “extras,” these programs are now seen as essential components of a complete education.
In today’s educational climate, after school programs are not just helpful. They are essential to academic success, social emotional growth, and family stability. At TMT, we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to high quality after school opportunities that inspire, challenge, and prepare them for the future.
Sources
Afterschool Alliance. America After 3PM: Demand Grows, Opportunity Shrinks. 2023. https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/aa3pm/
Afterschool Alliance. Research: Afterschool and Summer Program Impacts. 2023. https://afterschoolalliance.org/impacts_testing/listing.cfm
DEASN (Data, Evaluation and Strategy Network). The Latest Research on the Impact of Afterschool and Summer Programs. 2023. https://www.deasn.org/post/the-latest-research-on-the-impact-of-afterschool-and-summer-programs
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). School Pulse Panel: Data on School Programs and Operations. 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/11_8_2023.asp
North Carolina YMCA Alliance. Data Shows SEL Growth in YMCA Afterschool Youth Participants. 2023. https://www.ncymcas.org/news/data-shows-sel-growth-nc-ymca-afterschool-youth-participants
Overdeck Family Foundation. Access to Afterschool Programs Remains a Challenge for Many Families. 2023. https://overdeck.org/portfolios/spotlight/access-to-afterschool-programs-remains-a-challenge-for-many-families/
Wallace Foundation. Why Are So Many Kids Missing Out on Afterschool? 2023. https://www.wallacefoundation.org/resource/article/why-are-so-many-kids-missing-out-afterschool