Who We Are
Our History
Five decades of advocacy, partnership, and progress for Florida's children and youth.
Organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCAs began to support youth and children during out-of-school time in Florida. School districts began offering afterschool programs, and state and federal funding — including Title I — helped expand access in low-income areas.
The Florida Legislature authorized counties to create children's services councils as part of the Juvenile Welfare Services Act, allowing a county's voters, through a referendum, to establish a special taxing district with a governing board to fund and provide services for children.
The Florida AfterSchool Alliance (FASA) was established to support and advocate for afterschool programs.
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program was established under the Improving America's Schools Act.
21st CCLC was expanded under the No Child Left Behind Act to provide funding for afterschool and summer learning programs.
The Florida Afterschool Network (FAN) was established with support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to serve as the statewide organization advocating for high-quality out-of-school time programming.
The Every Student Succeeds Act was passed, providing more flexibility to states in education policy while sustaining 21st CCLC.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for afterschool and summer programs as essential supports for working families. Funding through the American Rescue Plan Act supported the expansion and enhancement of OST programs.
FAN and FASA merged to unify efforts in advocating for and supporting high-quality afterschool programs across the state, under the name Florida After School, Inc.
The results of a 26-year longitudinal study were published, definitively demonstrating the value and impact of high-quality afterschool programs.
Afterschool programs continue to support student learning gains, expand student outcomes, and strengthen student well-being across Florida.