Why Afterschool?
The hours before and after school, and throughout the summer, are some of the most important in a child’s day. For working families, they represent a practical necessity — a safe, supervised place for children while parents are on the job. But quality out-of-school time programs offer far more than supervision. They are where children discover new interests, build confidence, develop relationships with caring adults, and gain the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.
Research consistently shows that children who participate in quality out-of-school time programs attend school more regularly, perform better academically, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. For Maine’s children — many of whom live in rural communities with limited access to enrichment opportunities — these programs can be genuinely life-changing. Out-of-school time is not an add-on to a child’s education. It is an essential part of it.
Afterschool is Essential:
For Children – Out-of-school time programs give children far more than a safe place to be. They build foundational skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and responsible decision making, support social and emotional development, reduce risky behaviors, and excite children about learning. More than nine in ten youth report that they feel respected, listened to, and trust the adults in their programs — the building blocks of a healthy, successful life.
For Families – Out-of-school time programs are a lifeline for working families. More than four in five parents with an enrolled child say the program helps them keep their job, and 92% report feeling less stressed knowing their child is safe. Parents also report higher productivity at work and better overall well-being.
For Businesses – When parents have reliable care for their children, they show up to work more focused, more present, and more productive. Over time, the social and emotional skills children develop in quality programs strengthen Maine’s workforce pipeline — producing young people who are ready to be hired and succeed on the job.
For Communities – Research shows that for every dollar invested in an out-of-school $3 are saved. Strong programs mean safer neighborhoods, stronger schools, and more connected communities.
For Maine – 113,719 Maine children want to be in out-of-school time programs — but only 22,065 currently are, and families say the biggest barriers are cost, transportation, and lack of availability. High-income families now spend nine times more annually on out-of-school time activities than low-income families. Without access to quality programs, that gap will only grow.
Five in six parents — across party lines — support public funding for out-of-school time programs. This is not a partisan issue. It is a Maine issue.