September, 2020
Results from a recent multi-phase Edge Research survey for the Afterschool Alliance highlight how afterschool programs have met urgent student and community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many afterschool and summer program providers feel they lack resources and clarity to plan for the future, and this inability to properly plan is only growing as the pandemic continues with no clear end in sight.
Wave 1 research explored the many challenges providers were facing in the spring, while also expressing optimism for the future. Wave 2 summer research among providers and parents suggests unequal access to quality aftershool programs where children with the most need face the greatest barriers to access. Parents see great value in afterschool and summer programs and believe they should receive more public funding.