Florida After School, Inc. released its second edition of the ‘State of Afterschool & Summer Learning in Florida‘ Report in October 2024. This is an essential read for anyone invested in the future of Florida’s youth. With data-driven insights and compelling stories, this report sheds light on the persistent gaps in afterschool program availability across the state, despite efforts to grow programs post-pandemic. It highlights how afterschool deserts continue to limit the potential of many children and youth. The report also explores the critical role high-quality programs play in boosting school attendance, reducing risky behaviors, and promoting academic progression—issues that are even more urgent today.
Florida After School, Inc. brings together a powerful network of advocates, educators, and professionals to tackle these challenges head-on. This edition offers readers a comprehensive overview of the state’s afterschool landscape, pairing data analysis with real-world success stories from communities that have made intentional investments in high-quality afterschool programs. These examples showcase what is possible when we prioritize and invest in the future of our children, and they offer a blueprint for other communities to follow. Now more than ever, it’s time to deepen our commitment to expanding and improving out-of-school time opportunities across Florida.
Recommendations
Now more than ever, it is time for Florida to focus on public policy that improves community and student health, safety, education and well-being. We must convene business leaders, policymakers, program providers and parents to thoughtfully create an afterschool system that provides youth a safe and enriching place to go when the school day or school year ends:
• Develop requirements for registration and oversight protocols for summer learning providers to help parents navigate summer learning experiences.
• Create a dedicated Summer Learning Scholarship funding stream for students at greatest risk of school failure.
• Increase public, corporate and local investments in afterschool and summer learning programs.
• Strengthen partnerships at the local, regional and state-level between school districts and community-based programs.
• Increase the number of ‘out-of-school time’ programs that have implemented the Florida Standards for Quality Afterschool Programs and completed the Florida Quality Self-Assessment & Improvement Guide.