Why Afterschool

Afterschool programming is offered for children (ages 6-12) and youth (ages 13-18) after school and during summers and weekends.   Afterschool encompasses a broad range of programs that positively impact youth development, such as tutoring, mentoring, internships, sports, and art.   These programs are offered by many types of providers, such as city agencies, schools, and community based organizations, and while many of these programs are minimal or no cost to low-income youth, some families pay a fee for these programs. 

A growing body of research has documented the importance and positive outcomes of afterschool programs.  When youth feel safe and positively engaged with adults, they are more likely to be emotionally healthy and interested in school and less likely to participate in destructive or delinquent behavior.    Afterschool programs serve many functions including promoting positive youth development, fostering positive relationships with adults and peers, discouraging delinquent behavior, and for those programs integrating an academic component, academic achievement.   Youth with high levels of participation in afterschool programs have lower drop-out rates and higher graduation rates and miss fewer days of school. 

Despite these facts, most Illinois youth lack quality afterschool programs.

• Statewide demand for quality afterschool opportunities faoutpaces the current supply with shortfall estimates between 60 and 70 percent.

• In Illinois, 28% (641,975) of K-12 youth are responsible for taking care of themselves after school.

• 75% of Chicago public high-school students are not participating in any afterschool activities on a daily basis. 

• Of all Illinois children not currently enrolled in afterschool, 44% (845,397) would be likely to participate IF an afterschool program were available in their community.

• 74% of parents in Illinois are satisfied with the afterschool program their child attends.

• 16% (363,253) of Illinois's K-12 children participate in afterschool programs, including 48,341 kids in programs supported by the U.S. Department of Education's 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative, the only federal program dedicated to afterschool.

• An October 2006 report found that afterschool programs in Illinois are serving a high need population, serving more children than expected, and struggling to maintain their funding.