A fact sheet on the Elementary and Secondary Education Partnership between the Departments of Education (ED) and Labor (DOL) states that the partnership streamlines K–12 education programs with workforce initiatives. Among the programs included is 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), the federal funding stream that supports afterschool and summer learning programs offering academic enrichment, youth development, and family engagement opportunities, as authori

The New York Life Foundation is seeking applications for $800,000 in grants to afterschool, summer, or expanded learning programs serving underserved middle-school youth. This is the tenth year of the Foundation’s Aim High grant competition , and this year’s awards will bring the total amount awarded to $14.15 million! Forty programs will be selected for 1-year, $20,000 general operating grants, based on their ability to help youth transition successfully to ninth grade and t

When three members (Amanda Okwara, Michelle Marfo and Avery Lee) of STEM Next’s Flight Crew took the stage in Washington, D.C. this week in front of a national audience of education leaders, they embodied their core message: the future of youth development must start with youth. Hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), the Future of Youth Development: Vision to Action Summit brought together leaders across research, philanthropy, and po

Washington, D.C. – According to a household survey commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance and released today, four out of five Delaware parents who desire afterschool programs for their children are unable to enroll them. This is often due to the programs being too expensive, unavailable, or inaccessible. The America After 3PM report reveals that 90% of Delaware parents with children in afterschool programs rate them as excellent or very good, and there is strong support am

Be part of the upcoming episode in our webinar series: States Take the Wheel! State legislatures are spearheading the next phase of STEM innovation—from integrating AI in education to pioneering new funding strategies for career-connected learning and addressing the urgent need for teacher recruitment. Gain insights from emerging state networks that are at the forefront of workforce partnerships, K-12 alignment, and practical career pathways. Learn what these changes mean for

NAA's Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders highlights young leaders by acknowledging and nurturing the talent of afterschool advocates who have the potential to impact the field for years to come. The chosen emerging leader honorees will have shown contributions that extend beyond individual programs to influence organizations and communities, a strong passion for personal and professional development, active involvement in promoting the afterschool field, and demonstrated

The STEM Next Opportunity Fund is a national nonprofit committed to enhancing STEM education by making it more engaging, effective, and...

Registration is now open for NAA26, the National Afterschool Association’s 2026 Convention! Join thousands of afterschool professionals...