Afterschool programs (ASPs) typically occur during the critical hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and offer a variety of enrichment activities such as arts, sports, STEM, and other character-building exercises. According to a report by the AfterSchool Alliance from October 2025, approximately 90% of parents in New Jersey (NJ) support public funding for afterschool programs, and this figure tends to rise each year. Additionally, about 91% of these parents believe that all young individuals, regardless of their economic background or other characteristics, should have access to quality programs, whether during afterschool hours or summer.
In the Garden State, accessing childcare and afterschool programs involve navigating a network of resources, from statewide Child Care Resource and Referral Centers to on-the-ground community organizations and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), all crucial for connecting families with essential ASP services. However, even these essential services face significant funding challenges as they heavily depend on state grants, like the NJDOE Competitive Afterschool Program Grant.
To add to this, persistent inflation erodes the purchasing power of these grants, while stagnant federal funding further limits providers’ ability to expand their services, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the Fiscal Year 2026 budget revealed that $31.8 million in federal funds supported 33,322 youth through 161 programs in the 21st CCLC statewide initiative across NJ. However, the Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposed by the federal administration would eliminate dedicated 21st CCLC funding. While congressional appropriations are still in process, and a House subcommittee has advanced a bill maintaining 21st CCLC funding at the FY2026 level, funding gaps directly impede an ASP’s capacity to scale up and adequately address the ever-growing local demand for affordable and accessible childcare and enrichment programs, leaving many families struggling to find the support they need.
The Access Gap for Adolescents
Despite an enormous demand—where 4 in 5 parents want afterschool programming— and the fact that NJ ranks as seventh in the country for parent recognition of the importance of ASPs, 80% of New Jersey children remain shut out, largely due to cost and logistical hurdles. This widening access gap disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income families with middle and high schoolers, as federal funding fails to meet local needs. The same October 2025 Report by the Afterschool Alliance indicated that while 48% of sixth to eighth graders and 32% of ninth to twelfth graders would engage in an afterschool program if it were available, the actual participation rates are low, with only 9% of sixth to eighth graders and 7% of ninth to twelfth graders having taken part in such programs.
The benefits for such programs extend to the children themselves, their parents, and the overall community. On the child front, ASPs are valuable for children’s development, providing academic help and skill-building opportunities. They foster teamwork, critical thinking, and decision-making, promoting enthusiasm for learning, confidence, social skills, and a strong sense of community. These benefits contribute to their overall well-being and future success. Studies show that participation in ASPs is linked to increased physical activity and healthier eating habits, with children eating more nutritious foods on days they attend these programs. In fact, many ASPs offer snacks or meals, and a significant portion provides opportunities for physical activity.
For parents, ASPs provide reassurance regarding safety and positive engagement for their children. About 83% of parents rate their child’s afterschool program highly, noting important factors like safety, staff quality, peer relationships, and operational convenience. Additionally, 87% of parents feel that ASPs enhance their work productivity by allowing them to retain or increase working hours. Communities also benefit from ASPs, as they improve productivity for both children and parents. Approximately 91% of parents maintain steady jobs due to these programs, which also help keep children safe and reduce juvenile delinquency, particularly during unsupervised hours.
Core Barriers Impacting Low- and Middle-Income Households
Access to ASPs for middle and high school students from low- and middle-income families has become increasingly difficult due to core barriers like affordability, transportation, and other logistical issues. Post-pandemic, funding for these programs has significantly decreased, especially for New Jersey’s lowest income brackets, resulting in higher costs that many working families simply cannot afford. This price increase often forces families to forgo valuable afterschool resources. Based on available cost estimated in 2026, private afterschool centers in NJ charged an average of $615 monthly, which is 54% higher than the national average. Conversely, school-district programs average $275 per month, with some being offered at no cost via 21st Century grants, and community centers, such as the YMCA, tend to charge around $405 per month; this does not take into consideration care during breaks or holidays.
To add to the issue of access to afterschool programs, limited transportation options restrict families from accessing programs outside their immediate neighborhoods. Cuts to funding not only affect program availability but can also exacerbate food deserts, as previous COVID-specific grants that supported transportation and food needs are no longer accessible. The tight stipulations on grants instituted prior to and after the pandemic further impede program development, leaving many families without the support they need for their children’s afterschool activities. Lastly, but arguably one of the most important points to mention, research, though relatively limited in nature, suggests that middle and high school students from urban districts either regularly look after themselves or take on caregiving responsibilities during both school and out-of-school hours, which naturally limits participation in organized afterschool programming. Furthermore, as it pertains to high school employment, research across the nation indicates that older teenagers from low- and middle-income families tend to heavily engage in the workforce to offset family financial burdens, which conflicts directly with the traditional 3 to 6 p.m. program window, and correlates to increased high school dropout rates. Thus, without addressing these barriers, many students may miss out on essential learning opportunities and resources.
Policy Considerations for Expanding Access
Ultimately, access to ASPs is crucial for low- and middle-income families with middle and high school-aged children. These programs can provide not only safety and supervision but also valuable learning opportunities that enhance academic and social skills. It is important for parents and community members to continue to advocate for resources that support after-school initiatives, ensuring that every child has a safe place to learn and grow after school hours. Further engagement with state legislators can amplify this message, encouraging them to prioritize funding for ASPs when discussing budget allocations.
Incentivizing participation in afterschool programs can help bridge the gap for students, especially those who are responsible for family duties. As an example, offering credit learning opportunities can encourage children to participate while also contributing to their education. Similarly, providing stipends for students who take on jobs or care for siblings could potentially ease the financial burden on families and motivate their involvement in ASPs. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensure that all children have equal access to afterschool resources. By valuing both education and familial responsibilities, we can create a supportive environment where every child thrives, regardless of their background or circumstances.