Summer’s almost here. What are your kids going to do until school starts in the fall?
Out‑of‑school-time programs, including during summers and after school, are important spaces for adolescent learning, belonging and mental health support, according to experts from the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development. But reports released in 2025 show nationwide demand for spaces in these programs far outpaces availability.
According to the “America After 3 PM” report, more than 22 million children who would like to participate in an out-of-school-time program do not. Meanwhile, a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report highlights the essential developmental, academic and mental health benefits these programs provide.
And the programs don’t just benefit kids. The reports also show benefits for families, such as reduced stress and the reassurance that kids are safe and supported.
Ashlee Sjogren is a research assistant professor at the UVA School of Education and Human Development’s Youth-Nex research center and studies out-of-school programs. (Contributed photo)
Ashlee Sjogren, research assistant professor at the Education School’s Youth-Nex research center, studies out-of-school programs. With summer being the time when most students are out of school, we sat down with her to reflect on the current state of programming in America and how it benefits kids.
Q. Why are so many young people not in out-of-school programs?
A. Nearly 3 in 4 children who would like to participate in programming outside of school cannot because of barriers like cost and limited access. And we’re seeing inequities – for example, 96% of children from the highest‑income families participate in structured after-school activities compared to 66% from low-income families. These inequities are true not only for after-school programs, but also for summers, weekends and school breaks.
Q. What do kids gain from programs outside of school?
A. We know that engaging in these programs is associated with improved academic, social‑emotional and behavioral outcomes. These new reports show that parents agree with that evidence, too. The programs also provide an additional developmental context where relationships with staff and peers motivate youth to stay engaged.
Q. Why are out-of-school-time programs important during summers?
A. Summers are critical to not only supporting youth development, but also meeting student needs, as many school-based supports are reduced. This makes the summer months among the most impactful for holistically supporting youth and working families. Out-of-school-time programs fill these gaps, providing youth with access to safe environments, meals, social supports and opportunities for sustained engagement in high-quality experiences.
