The number of Black children unable to access afterschool programs despite parental interest has reached an all-time high, with three in four Black children whose parents want such programs missing out on enrollment, according to a new national survey.
"These findings are profoundly disturbing," said Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance. "We are missing a vitally important opportunity to keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and giving working parents peace of mind that their children are safe, supervised, and learning after the school day ends."
The barriers preventing enrollment are multifaceted, including cost, lack of safe transportation to and from programs, inconvenient locations and hours, lengthy waiting lists, and a shortage of programs in Black communities. Cost remains a significant obstacle, with Black parents reporting an average weekly expense of $120.30 per child for afterschool programs.
Income disparities also play a critical role in access. The study found that 22% of Black families with higher incomes can enroll their children in afterschool programs, compared to just 12% of Black families with lower incomes—a pattern similar to that seen among White and Hispanic families.
The findings come as the Trump administration has proposed eliminating funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers in fiscal year 2026. The program serves as the primary federal funding stream for afterschool and summer learning programs nationwide. Congress has not yet finalized the FY2026 budget.
Despite the access challenges, Black parents who do have children enrolled in afterschool programs express overwhelming satisfaction. The survey found that 95% of Black parents with a child in an afterschool program are satisfied, with 86% rating program quality as excellent or very good.
Black parents also demonstrate strong support for public investment in these programs, with 92% favoring public funding for afterschool programs—a higher percentage than among parents overall.
Parents cited numerous benefits they observe from afterschool program participation. Eighty-seven percent of Black parents agree that such programs help children develop social skills and decision-making abilities, while 85% say they allow kids to develop positive relationships with peers. Additionally, 81% report that programs help children become more excited about learning and develop interests in STEM fields.
Parents also value afterschool programs for keeping children safe, with 79% agreeing that programs reduce the likelihood of risky behaviors and keep kids out of trouble. Even more—82%—say programs support children's mental health and well-being.
The economic impact on working families is also significant, with 83% of Black parents saying afterschool programs help working parents maintain employment.
Grant called for greater investment from government, businesses, and philanthropy to address the access gap. "Our country will be stronger and more successful when all children can take advantage of the many supports afterschool programs offer," she said. "Every child deserves access to a quality afterschool program."
The survey included responses from 30,515 U.S. parents or guardians, including 4,377 Black households, and was conducted between January 31 and April 21, 2025.
