Following the recent visit to Capitol Hill during the Afterschool for All Challenge at the National Afterschool Association Convention (DEAN) is proud to announce its full support of a landmark bipartisan bill championed by Congresswoman Sarah McBride. The federal legislation aims to expand biotechnology education for secondary school students across the nation. While "secondary" refers to the critical middle and high school years, DEAN is advocating to ensure this investment

With summer on the horizon, new research from The Wallace Foundation provides timely insights for the out-of-school time (OST) sector. Their latest brief, Sustaining Momentum: Summer Learning – Building Capacity and Strengthening Partnerships , highlights what many afterschool professionals already understand: high-quality summer learning is crucial for keeping young people engaged, supported, and thriving beyond the school year. The brief emphasizes the significance of stron

On April 3, 2026, the Administration unveiled its FY2027 "skinny" budget, intended to fund education programs from summer 2027 through the conclusion of the 2027-2028 school year. The proposal eliminates funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), the sole federal funding source dedicated to supporting local school and community-based afterschool and summer learning initiatives. This marks the second consecutive year that the elimination of 21st CCLC, whi

Workforce Pell significantly impacts afterschool and out-of-school time programs, especially those catering to older youth. These programs are crucial for career exploration, skill development, and preparing students for life after high school. They assist young people in acquiring foundational and employability skills, linking learning to real-world scenarios, and increasing awareness of career pathways. With Pell expanding to short-term credential programs, afterschool init

Join us on the first Thursday of each month, join experts from across the STEM landscape as they provide factual information, practical strategies, and actionable resources to help you navigate the ever-changing world of STEM education, workforce development, policy, and advocacy. Hosted by the Afterschool STEM Hub, STEM Education Coalition, and STEM Ecosystems, TIES, "The STEM Talk" creates a safe space for dialogue while maintaining a focus on information that matters to yo

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