Afterschool Alliance

Welcome to Afterschool Policy Pulse. Every second Friday at noon ET, our own Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next. Ready to dive in? Register now to join the first Afterschool Policy Pulse on February 14 @ 12pm ET. https://lnkd.in/eYFAeM-B

Afterschool plays a crucial role in helping youth build the confidence and skills they need to share their ideas. This #YouthVoiceWeek, we’re excited to amplify their voices and hear what they have to say! Get ready, #YouthVoiceWeek starts Monday, March 24!

BREAKING: Today, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order asking the Secretary of Education to take steps to close the U.S. Department of Education. Dismantling the Department would be a complex process, and federal support for local afterschool and summer programs will be impacted. However, major sources of funding are mandated by law and therefore not under the order for immediate elimination. Read our blog for a full breakdown of what this means for afterschool programs and how you can take action: https://lnkd.in/eiZxXKmP

✨When we work together, we create brighter futures for young people. That’s why we’re excited to join the 2025 Every Hour Counts National Conference: Better Together: Lighting the Path Forward! This gathering is all about strengthening afterschool and summer learning systems through unity and collaboration. Participants will explore strategies for: 🔹 Equity-centered leadership that expands opportunities for all youth 🔹 Youth voice in shaping programs that reflect their needs 🔹 Policy and advocacy that sustains strong learning systems 📍 Join us May 14-16, 2025, in Minneapolis, MN, to connect, learn, and innovate alongside changemakers from across the country. Register today! https://lnkd.in/en6-jv5V

We have one question for you: Will you stand up for our nation’s young people? On March 24, help us kick off #YouthVoiceWeek by sending a message to Congress urging them to support the afterschool programs our kids count on! Head to 3to6.co/congress on Monday morning!

Young people are the reason we do what we do. Every day in afterschool, we have the privilege of witnessing the power and greatness of kids. They inspire us with their joy, creativity, and strength. This #KidDay, let them know how amazing they are! Camp Fire

Afterschool benefits kids for life! A longitudinal study by Dr. Deborah Vandell follows a large sample of young people over 26 years to understand how various environments—including families, early education, schools, neighborhoods, and afterschool programs—affect educational, health, and career outcomes. The findings are clear: kids who participate in afterschool are stronger learners, earners, and leaders! As adults, those who participated in afterschool programs were more likely to graduate and pursue higher education, earned higher incomes and secured better jobs, and were more likely to be engaged in their communities. https://lnkd.in/g_RHn7kx https://lnkd.in/g_RHn7kx

Want to be featured for #YouthVoiceWeek 2025? 🎉 If you're an afterschool student or alum, submit an essay to us about what you love about your program, why afterschool matters to you, or how afterschool helped you get to where you are today! Entries can be new or old. Need inspiration? Check out past youth blogs here: https://lnkd.in/en893N5A ✍️

#YouthVoiceWeek is the perfect time to integrate meaningful opportunities for young people to share their thoughts. But how can you do this in an afterschool space? Our Youth Voice Toolkit includes tips and resources, from meeting youth where they are to training adults to exist in youth spaces. Check it out now and make sure to join us March 24: https://lnkd.in/e7vesayr

✨Collaboration fuels progress. Join us at the 2025 Every Hour Counts National Conference as we gather with leaders, educators, funders, and youth to build a future where every young person has access to high-quality learning experiences. At Better Together: Lighting the Path Forward, participants will exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and spark innovation to strengthen afterschool and summer learning systems nationwide. If you believe in the power of community-driven solutions, this is the place to be. Let’s work together to create a more equitable future. Join us May 14-16, 2025, in Minneapolis! 🔗 Register today: https://lnkd.in/en6-jv5V