Afterschool programs and summer learning are vital because they provide safe, enriching environments for children and youth beyond the regular school day. These programs support academic achievement, social-emotional development, and physical well-being while also helping to close opportunity gaps for underserved communities. They offer engaging activities that spark curiosity, build skills, and foster positive relationships, ensuring students continue to learn and grow year-round. Additionally, these programs support working families by offering reliable care and contributing to community resilience and equity.
America After 3PM is the nation’s most comprehensive look at how children spend their time during the hours out of school. Conducted roughly every five years, the 2020 report is the fourth edition of the survey. Previous reports were issued in 2004, 2009, and 2014. America After 3PM serves as a resource for policy makers, educators, parents, and advocates on afterschool and summer learning program participation, demand for afterschool and summer learning programs, expectations and benefits and programs, and children who are alone and unsupervised during the after school and summertime hours.
