Afterschool and Working Families in Wake of the Great Recession (2011)

As the economy shows signs of recovery, it is apparent that the Great Recession has had dramatic effects on the availability and affordability of afterschool programs, the accessibility of employment and childcare options for parents and, most of all, the education and future of our nations youth. This brief examines the ways in which afterschool programs have coped with the difficulties brought on by the economic downturn and its impactful effects on children, families and communities.

Quality Afterschool: Helping Programs Achieve It and Policies Support It (2011)

For years, policy makers, program directors and parents have attested to the widespread benefits of afterschool programs. Fortunately, a wide variety of research ranging from quantitative studies and polls to qualitative reports and field observations has corroborated the need for afterschool enrichment. Promoting quality in the field of afterschool, which includes before school and summer learning programs, is one way to ensure researchers continue to find positive outcomes that can convince policy makers to increase investments in this valuable resource to children and parents.

Afterschool Programs: A Wise Public Investment (2005)

This brief considers the social cost of not providing afterschool programs and the high returns on such investments. It is well worth it for businesses and government alike to fund afterschool activities. This brief presents several of the benefits of investing in afterschool programs.