Afterschool Programs Support Learning Recovery but Struggle with Staffing and Program Costs

Young people tell us that afterschool programs have a direct positive impact on their lives. A new national online survey of 1,116 afterschool program providers--conducted by Edge Research, October 31-December 5, 2023--reinforces this view, finding that programs are keeping young people connected, engaged, and inspired. The survey, which represents more than 8,800 programs across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., also finds that afterschool programs face challenges largely due to staffing and program costs. A bright spot is that for afterschool programs that have been able to obtain federal pandemic relief funds, these funds have served as a welcome source of aid, helping programs keep their doors open, take steps to enhance staff recruitment and retention efforts, serve more students, and expand programming. However, as the end of this federal funding approaches, providers are very concerned about their future sustainability.