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Funding Out-of-School Time Programs—Now and in the Future

A guide for finding sustainable federal, state, and local funding sources for out-of-school time programs.
Photo credit: Allison Shelley for EDUimages

Funding Out-of-School Time Programs—Now and in the Future

Millions of families depend on out-of-school time programs to support their children’s overall health and development outside of the classroom. Fortunately, the American Rescue Plan included $122 billion designated for education and $350 billion in flexible funding that many states and communities used to launch out-of-school time initiatives to support the social, emotional, and academic needs of children and youth. Once the spending window for these dollars closes, though, school districts that received the most funds (based on student poverty levels) will experience the most significant decline in funding. Consequently, advocates and program providers must plan now for a thoughtful, long-term approach to funding outof-school time programs with other federal, state, and local funding sources. This fact sheet highlights some of the potential funding sources that can support out-of-school time programs. While it is not a comprehensive guide, it provides a general overview that advocates and providers can use as a starting point to think through sustainable funding options to support out-of-school time services.