OST Programs in Demand for 2023 |
|
Program Type |
Why NOW? |
★ STEM(Science,Technology, Engineering, and Math) |
In a pre-pandemic Afterschool Alliance survey, almost 60 percent of parents reported that their children were receiving STEM instruction at least two days a week in an afterschool program.3 Setting the foundation for real-world success is beneficial to all children! |
★ Physical Fitness Activities |
As a result of increased time spent indoors and reduced access to nutritional meals, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the risk of weight gain among children.4 Promoting healthy minds and bodies is always a win–time to make it a priority! |
★ Multipurpose Programs |
Among students regularly attending a community learning center, approximately 1 in 2 improved their math and language arts grades, more than 2 out of 3 improved homework completion, and more than 3 out of 5 improved behavior in class.5 Think of what an impact you can make by offering comprehensive services! |
According to a 2020 survey, 24.6 million kids would participate in an afterschool program if one were available to them.3
Demand for OST programs increased steadily in the years leading up to the pandemic, making pandemic closures and restrictions even harder on already-taxed communities.
The difficult circumstances created by the pandemic added additional strains on families, increasing barriers to OST participation. Parents report financial cost as the top barrier to participation in afterschool programs.1
The good news is, there are a plethora of resources available to help fund your program!
Applying for grants can be an arduous task, but thankfully grant applications provide comprehensive, step-by-step instructions to make the process as streamlined as possible. If you are new to applying for grants and lack the funds to hire an outside grant writer, there are many free resources available online and in your community–such as your local library–to help you with the process.
Grants: Check out specific grants available to you in your state. Know that the amount of opportunities for funding is growing, so continue to check for new updates. Most public library systems contain a grants collection–or at least a knowledgeable librarian who can help you navigate the waters.
Visit our Website and Knowledge Base to learn more.
Check out our blog for more information you can use right away.
Get in touch with an Out-of-School Time Specialist for a customize approach to supporting your Before and Afterschool Programs
6 Source: Education Week, January 19, 2023. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/covid-relief-funds-dry-up-next-year-heres-how-districts-can-cope/2023/01