A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences confirms what many parents and educators already know: after-school programs play a vital role in the lives of children and teens. While the report documents how after-school programs provide a “responsive place for the social and emotional development of children and youth, enhance academic motivation and increase school attendance, and promote long-term educational success,” it also points to the lack of accessibility for many children in the country to attend such programs.

In 2020 alone, nearly 25 million children in the U.S. wanted to participate in after-school programs, but only a fraction could because cost and transportation barriers. Eleven million low-income children were unable to attend, underscoring the need for greater investment to close this gap.

Fortunately, in Miami-Dade County, The Children’s Trust has prioritized providing access to after-school care - especially for families who might otherwise be left out. The Children’s Trust allocates nearly 40 percent of its annual budget - roughly $83 million - to youth development, which includes after-school and summer programming.

Participation in these programs has measurable benefits. Students show increased school attendance and academic performance, better emotional regulation, and more confidence in their social identities. For older youth, supervised after-school time can help reduce risky behaviors and offer space to discuss and reflect on current events and life challenges.

Parents benefit as well. According to a recent survey of families whose children participated in 2023-2024 after-school programs and 2024 summer camps, 99 percent agreed or strongly agreed that the programs kept their children safe and make it possible for them to attend work or school.

The Children’s Trust has also made inclusion a top priority of its after-school program with at least 15 percent of program participants required to be children or youth living with disabilities. In 2023-2024, that number reached 20 percent for after-school programs.

The results speak for themselves. According to survey data, 99 percent of these children felt actively included and supported by staff to participate fully.

Programming in after-school programs is also diverse and dynamic, offering students opportunities they may not have elsewhere. After-school options range from reading and fitness to visual arts, robotics, entrepreneurship, and even college and career readiness. Programs are designed not just to fill time, but to enrich lives.

With so many options for after-school programming and each individual family’s specific needs and interests so different, it can be difficult for families looking to enroll in after-school programming. Fortunately, they can explore their options through The Children’s Trust’s Find A Program page on their website. Visit TheChildrensTrust.org/FindAProgram, click on “Find Programs,” and check the “After-School” category to see available opportunities near you.

With high-quality, low- or no-cost programs available throughout the county, Miami-Dade and The Children’s Trust are leading the way in showing what’s possible when children, families, and communities are supported after the school bell rings.