Since schools and childcare centers closed in March, afterschool and summer programs across the country have found creative ways to continue to serve students, families, and their communities. From virtual programming to caring for children of essential workers to providing and delivering meals to families in need, I have watched as programs have stepped up in these uncertain times to provide for children and families who are facing unprecedented challenges in all aspects of life.
Nonetheless, afterschool and summer programs have not been exempt from the stress and economic strain of the pandemic. In our new survey of nearly 1,000 program providers , conducted May 28 through June 30, 84 % report concern about their ability to provide fall services. 45 % report staff layoffs or furloughs—half of those had to lay off or furlough more than 75 % of staff—and 61 % fear permanent closure.
Despite the challenges and uncertainty, 70 % of respondents report that they are still serving students in some capacity: 60 % remotely, 48 % as meal sites or delivering meals, and 47 % connecting families with community resources. These figures are even higher among 21st CCLC programs and those serving predominantly low-income students.
During these unparalleled times, programs have proven invaluable to communities nationwide and will continue to be essential when schools reopen this fall. As districts plan staggered schedules, hybrid, and virtual learning models, students will spend more time in out-of-school settings. Afterschool programs can provide safe spaces with the support and resources children need to thrive in this new learning environment—and give parents confidence to return to work.
Collaboration between schools and community partners will be key to reopening successfully. This summer, 61 % of programs offered some form of summer programming—30 % in person, 39 % virtual, and 27 % hybrid. Schools will benefit from the lessons learned by afterschool and summer providers during the pandemic.
Although 62 % of respondents report participating in district-organized conversations about fall reopening plans, we expect that number to grow. To support those discussions, the Afterschool Alliance has released A Blueprint for How Afterschool Programs & Community Partners Can Help .
The Afterschool Alliance and the National Summer Learning Association are now conducting a second wave of our survey to assess summer offerings and fall plans. Findings from Wave 1 are informing federal funding decisions. Take the follow-up survey (10–15 minutes, anonymous; 50 respondents will win a $50 cash prize).
If you need assistance completing the survey, please contact Lydia Redway at [email protected]. For more information, contact [email protected].