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Afterschool

Afterschool programs are a critical component to keeping kids safe, inspiring learning and helping working families. Children spend only 20 percent of their waking hours in school and they need a safe, healthy, caring and enriching environment when they are not in school. Research clearly demonstrates that children who participate in quality afterschool programs gain lifelong benefits. For children from low income families and children of color, utilizing out-of-school time effectively can help close the opportunity and achievement gap.

The Council is working in collaboration with the Department of Public Instruction and the University of Wisconsin Extension to provide leadership in the development of the Wisconsin Afterschool Network. The network is a public/private partnership working to establish a statewide infrastructure that fosters policies, funding, and technical assistance to support high quality afterschool programs/extended learning opportunities. The shared vision of this work is that all Wisconsin school age youth have access to a high quality afterschool programs.

Recent News After-School Poll Shows Public Support - Poll by Lake, Snell and Perry shows voters understand and value after-school programs School's Out! Out of School Time Key to Children's Success  – new report highlights the importance of afterschool for healthy child development

Project Goals

To improve academic outcomes and strengthen youth development skills for all children and particularly children of color and those living in poverty.

Advance the growth of statewide policies that secure the resources necessary to increase the quality and sustainability of new and existing afterschool programs.

Develop a network of statewide, regional, and local after school programs and partners to build public will for increased investments in quality afterschool programming.
 

WisKids Fact

While just nine percent of Wisconsin’s children in working families participate in afterschool activities, 31 percent of Wisconsin’s school-age children are responsible for taking care of themselves when school is out.
 

Project Staff

Martha Cranley , KidsCount Coordinator contact