After school enrichment programs are critical to helping school communities recover post COVID-19

Remote learning this year has magnified the gaps in access to school resources.  When students can safely return to school, expanding access to high-quality after school enrichment programs presents schools and districts a moment to actively close the achievement and opportunity gaps made worse by the pandemic. 

Juvenile Justice Advisor, Simone Davis writes:

“It is our moral responsibility to ensure all students are equipped with a quality education that supports their character, passion, and growth — even in the wake of a pandemic.”‍

At Homeroom, we recognize the intellectual, social and emotional growth of our children doesn’t begin and end when the school bell rings. After school enrichment programs transform the hours between school and the end of the work day by offering an extended community of support.  The school volunteers, parents and enrichment providers who manage these programs play a key role in children’s growth, development and success, and are a vital part of our modern village.

The research is inspiring: participation in after school enrichment makes a big difference! Children that attend after school enrichment programs earn higher grades, achieve improved self-esteem and confidence, and find better employment later in life.  After school enrichment programs close achievement gaps too. Students at the greatest risk typically make the greatest educational achievement gains in their after school programs.  

After going to after school programs:

• 69% of students improve their homework completion and class participation
• 62% of students improve their behavior in class
• 1 in 2 students improve their math and reading grades
• More than 70% of students in STEM after school programs express more interest in and knowledge about careers in science

*Source: Afterschool Alliance 

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Every child deserves access to these powerful life outcomes. Homeroom is committed to partnering with local PTOs and PTAs to bring high-quality enrichment activities to campus, so all children are better prepared to succeed at home, at school and in their communities.‍

At Homeroom, we believe in the power of enrichment programs to shape a child’s life for the better, which is why “enrichment for all” is one of our core values. Learn more about the steps we are taking together with schools, providers and families to make this vision a reality. ‍