Afterschool programs are a critical part of a city’s infrastructure for youth success, economic development, and public safety. In the hours after school when many young people are unsupervised and families are still working, these programs provide safe spaces, academic support, and opportunities for skill-building and connection.
City leaders play a key role in ensuring these opportunities are accessible, high-quality, and aligned with community priorities. Building support for afterschool programs requires clear, effective communication.
This guide is designed to help you tailor your message to different audiences, use data and stories to make your case, and confidently address common questions or concerns. It provides practical tools and language to help position afterschool programming as an essential investment in your community’s future.
For more information on why and how to support afterschool programs, please visit NLC’s Afterschool and Summer Learning resource hub.
Section 1
Know Your Audiences
Section 2
Developing Your Core Messages
Section 3
Use Local Facts and Stories
Section 4
Anticipate Potential Opposition
Section 5
Additional Resources
Afterschool and Summer Learning
A Mayor’s Guide to Supporting K-12 Education
How to Know Your Summer Youth Programs Are Making a Difference
- Brandis Stockman
Municipal Support of Out of School Time Programs
Making the Case for Afterschool Programs
