Why Are After-School Programs Important?
Written by:
Wilson College
• Sep 22, 2025
For many students, learning does not end at the conclusion of the school day. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 85% of K-12 public schools in the U.S. offered their students after-school programs during the 2024-2025 school year, and 60% offered after-school programs that were focused on academics.
As a vital component of our educational system, after-school programs can boost students’ academic performance, reduce their dropout rates, decrease their risky behaviors, and even help them prepare for jobs or higher education.
For individuals who have been considering earning a degree in education, such as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Early Childhood Education , learning about the importance of after-school programs can help them enhance their awareness of the many ways students can learn.
What Are After-School Programs?
Out of school programs are supervised programs run by schools, school districts, and other organizations that students can attend at school or another facility during a time when school is not in session. After-school programs take place after the school day has ended, while other types of programs take place before school starts or during school breaks.
Types of After-School Programs
There are a variety of types of after-school programs. Which types are available to students depends on their school district and community. For example, students may have access to a program with an academic focus, such as a program that concentrates on:
- Reading
- Math
- Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
- Homework assistance
- Tutoring
- Test preparation
Students may also have an after-school program available to them that focuses on an array of other subjects. For instance, some students can attend an after-school program that focuses on:
- Creative arts (for example, music, dance, or drama)
- Sports
- Life skills (for example, cooking or financial literacy)
- Foreign languages
After-school programs also include basic after-school care programs that organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club or the YMCA frequently provide. These programs offer a safe environment where students can spend time until their parents or caregivers finish their workday. Students in these programs generally get to participate in activities such as playing games, watching movies, or having a snack.
Benefits of After-School Programs
Why are after-school programs important? The benefits of after-school programs extend across a wide variety of areas. Some examples of those benefits are highlighted below.
Strengthen Students’ Academic Performance
After-school programs can increase the odds for students’ academic success. For example, the Afterschool Alliance, an organization that advocates for after-school programs, notes that these programs can:
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Improve students’ grades
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Increase students’ graduation rates
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Strengthen students’ reading and writing skills
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Give students who have fallen behind academically an opportunity to catch up with their peers
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Enable students to participate in STEM project-based learning opportunities
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, after-school programs have also resulted in narrowing academic achievement gaps between students with differing income levels, as well as reductions in student dropout rates.
Help Students Develop New Skills
After-school programs often provide the opportunity for students to build their:
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Self-confidence
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Ability to communicate
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Life and social skills
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Conflict resolution skills
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Leadership skills
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Teamwork skills
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Decision-making skills
Provide Care for Children With Working Parents
Families of students who participate in after-school programs can also realize benefits from these programs. For example, after-school programs offer a much-needed solution to the after-school care needs of working parents. In addition, these programs can connect families with community resources in areas such as mental health services, supplemental food assistance, or dental care.
Benefit Communities Where Students Live
When after-school programs are available to students, those students’ communities can benefit because the programs:
- Enable students to feel more engaged in their communities
- Can result in lower crime rates
- Allow parents to work and contribute to the local economy
After-School Program Tips for Educators
Educators can make the most of their after-school program by keeping certain things in mind. For example, it can be helpful to:
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Assess students’ needs. Before launching an after-school program, educators need to gauge the needs of the students in their school district. Comparing those needs with existing programs in the community and soliciting community input can help in identifying the specific type of after-school program that can best meet students’ needs.
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Consider partnering with a local organization. When it comes to creating an after-school program, schools do not have to do it alone. Partnering with their community library, a higher education institution, or a public health organization, for example, can be a great way to launch an after-school program.
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Determine how to measure program success. To get the most from an after-school program, educators need to decide which metrics they will use to measure the program’s success. They can start by clearly specifying the program’s goals and the best methods for determining whether the program meets those goals.
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Look for sources of funding. Some after-school programs are free, while others charge students to attend. Educators can seek out potential funding sources so their program can serve as many students as possible. Educators can consider applying for grants, sponsorships, or government funding to help defray the cost of the after-school program.
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Establish program policies and procedures. Creating an after-school program also entails specifying policies and procedures for factors such as how to ensure students’ safety, manage disciplinary issues, and recruit program staff or volunteers.
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Keep in touch with parents and caregivers. Communicating about an after-school program with parents and caregivers is a great way to promote the program and let families know about the services the program offers. Educators can consider holding an open house or sending regular emails or newsletters to inform families about the program’s specifics and how their children can benefit from participating in it.
Learn More About Early Childhood Education
After-school programs offer students another avenue for learning, and they can be a great supplement to what students learn in the classroom. When students have the opportunity to participate in an after-school program, they have the chance to strengthen their academic and social skills in a safe and engaging environment.
Individuals who have an interest in pursuing a degree in education can explore Wilson College Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree program to learn how it can help them reach their career goals. Designed to provide aspiring educators with the skills and expertise they need to teach students from pre-K to fourth grade, the program can help establish a solid foundation for a rewarding career in education.
Start working to achieve your career ambitions in education today.
Recommended Readings
5 Outdoor Learning Activities for Early Childhood Educators
Flexible Learning Environments: How Do They Benefit Students?
Sources:
Act Now, Starting an Afterschool Program Toolkit
Afterschool Alliance, This Is Afterschool
All Things Science, “The Ultimate Guide to After School Programs (2025)”
EZReports, “Afterschool Program Management: Best Practices”
National Conference of State Legislatures, “Supporting Student Success Through Afterschool Programs”
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Out-of-School Time
Work Ed, “What Are the Benefits of Afterschool Programs? A Guide for Parents”
