Afterschool Alliance

08/26/2026

NEW REPORT: Afterschool programs are offering more science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning opportunities than ever (up more than 20% since 2014)—but too many young people are still missing out.

Afterschool programs are critical when it comes to developing STEM fluency. They allow young people to engage in hands-on, collaborative learning that's driven by curiosity—improving their content knowledge and shaping their durable skills.

This America After 3PM STEM special report examines how far afterschool STEM has come, where it reaches young people, and where it still falls short.

Read more:

An in-depth view of what parents want for their children’s summers and the challenges families face accessing those opportunities.

08/26/2026

On behalf of the Afterschool Alliance and in collaboration with AAAS - STEMM Opportunity Alliance, we are pleased to invite you to join us for the release of the America After 3PM: Special Report on STEM.

The event will feature an overview of the national report findings that reveal parent priorities and expectations for STEM learning in afterschool, STEM subjects and skills young people are accessing in afterschool, and where the gaps are. It will be followed by a panel discussion featuring speakers with diverse perspectives on afterschool STEM.

You will leave with a new appreciation for the critical role of afterschool programs in the STEM learning ecosystem and a clear understanding of actions we can all take to support more STEM learning opportunities in afterschool programs.

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

"We are the afterschool program."

89% of students in the Roma, Texas, school district are economically disadvantaged. There is no Boys & Girls Club, no network of afterschool providers. It's all on the district.

Read how they're rising to the challenge: https://bit.ly/3SHMRjz

On May 19, 2026, the Afterschool Alliance released new America After 3PM data on summer program access, unmet demand, and parent perspectives. To share those findings with the field, we hosted a

08/25/2026

WEDNESDAY: We break down the latest data about how afterschool programs are incorporating STEM learning opportunities—and where gaps still persist.

Sign up for the webinar: https://aa3pm.co/stem-webinar

08/24/2026

Update from the Hill: It's August recess, but critical decisions loom for Congress when they return in September. Read about the current status of the budget—and what recent developments mean for education and afterschool funding—in our policy blog ⤵️

With the House and Senate in recess for the rest of the month of August, it’s a good time for an update on the status of the FY2027 appropriations process. The federal current fiscal year

08/21/2026

Want the latest data on afterschool and STEM?

Our new report covers parent priorities, the STEM skills kids are learning, and where the gaps are.

RSVP for our in-person release event in D.C. on 8/26: https://bit.ly/4gDciM9
Or sign up for the webinar here: https://bit.ly/4x6BNLD

08/20/2026

"Afterschool programs aren't just buildings, they aren't just physical spaces. They are spaces where youth are able to be enlightened, inspired, and surrounded by people who can change their lives."

Hear from our incredible Youth Ambassadors from all around the country about what their afterschool programs mean to them:

08/19/2026

Students can now use Pell Grants to help pay for short-term workforce training. The funds can cover programs that run 8-15 weeks and align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand jobs.

What does this mean for afterschool?

Read more in our policy blog:

Workforce Pell is a new provision in the federal budget reconciliation law enacted last year that, for the first time, allows Pell Grants to help pay for short-term workforce training.

Pell Grants

08/18/2026

Bipartisanship isn't dead! Both sides can agree that youth sports programs are critical for building confidence, teamwork, and community—and that they should be accessible to everyone, regardless of income.

Read more about the STRONG Kids Act:

Last week, Representatives Mike Carey (OH-15) and Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) introduced the Sports Training, Recreation, and Opportunities for the Next Generation Act (H. R. 9839). Also