Arkansas Afterschool Programs

Mindi the fox stands in front of Arkansas symbols including a schoolhouse, wheat, a tree, and family icons on the state.
Mindi the fox stands in front of Arkansas symbols including a schoolhouse, wheat, a tree, and family icons on the state.

In Arkansas, afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs play a critical role in supporting students' academic and personal development. Approximately 59,837 children participate in afterschool programs statewide, while an estimated 125,025 children are unsupervised after school, highlighting a significant unmet demand for these services. The state's 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative, funded under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, supports 102 centers across Arkansas, providing essential academic enrichment during non-school hours.

Arkansas's OST programs focus on academic support, enrichment activities, social-emotional learning (SEL), and college and career readiness, particularly for high-need and economically disadvantaged students. These programs are supported by a combination of federal and state funding, including the 21st CCLC grants and allocations from the American Rescue Plan's Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. The Arkansas Out of School Network (AOSN), administered by Arkansas State University, coordinates efforts to expand access to quality afterschool and summer programs, addressing challenges such as rural access and serving diverse communities across the state.

Arkansas Afterschool Priorities

The Arkansas state-wide priorities for afterschool learning emphasize academic enrichment, social-emotional development, college and career readiness, family engagement, and safe, inclusive environments. These priorities aim to support students in underserved communities by providing comprehensive out-of-school time programs.

Academic Enrichment & Learning Acceleration

  • Why it matters: Arkansas's afterschool programs focus on improving student achievement in core subjects, particularly for students in high-poverty and rural areas.
  • Program Implication: Programs should offer targeted academic support, including tutoring and enrichment activities aligned with state standards, to help students meet academic goals.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our kits reinforce core concepts through hands-on STEM and literacy activities that make learning engaging and effective.”

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Behavior Support

  • Why it matters: Afterschool programs in Arkansas integrate SEL to address students' emotional and behavioral needs, promoting positive youth development.
  • Program Implication: Activities should incorporate SEL components, such as teamwork, communication, and self-regulation, to support students' overall well-being.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our activities support SEL outcomes — from cooperation and communication to goal setting and self-regulation.”

College & Career Readiness (CCR)

  • Why it matters: Arkansas emphasizes preparing students for post-secondary success by developing skills necessary for college and career pathways.
  • Program Implication: Afterschool programs should provide opportunities for career exploration, skill development, and exposure to various professions.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “We build career-ready mindsets through creative challenges and teamwork — ideal for early exposure to CCR goals.”

Family & Community Engagement

  • Why it matters: Engaging families in afterschool programs enhances student success and strengthens community ties.
  • Program Implication: Programs should offer family-oriented activities and resources to foster collaboration between schools and families.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our curriculum naturally supports family engagement by encouraging shared discussion, celebration, and participation across program activities.”

Safe, Inclusive, and Enriching Environments

  • Why it matters: Providing a safe and supportive environment is crucial for student participation and learning in afterschool programs.
  • Program Implication: Programs must ensure physical and emotional safety, inclusivity, and a welcoming atmosphere for all students.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our kits help boost attendance by making afterschool the best part of the day — kids love the hands-on challenges and creative freedom.”

Arkansas Afterschool Impact

Afterschool and OST programs in Arkansas have demonstrated significant benefits for participating students, including improved academic performance, increased school engagement, enhanced social-emotional skills, and better preparedness for college and careers. These programs provide safe, structured environments that support students' overall development and well-being.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Students in Arkansas's afterschool programs receive homework assistance, engage in STEM learning opportunities, and work on reading and writing skills, contributing to academic growth and achievement.

🏫 Attendance & Engagement

Participation in OST programs has been linked to improved school-day attendance and increased engagement, as students are more motivated and connected to their learning environments.

🧠 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Afterschool programs incorporate SEL frameworks and trauma-informed practices, helping students develop emotional regulation, build positive peer relationships, and enhance resilience.

🎓 College & Career Readiness

Through leadership development, mentoring, and exposure to college and career pathways, OST programs prepare students for future success, aligning with workforce readiness initiatives.

Metro

Little Rock (city, parks, Boys & Girls Clubs), Fort Smith, Pine Bluff, and Hot Springs all support OST programs through school-community partnerships. In Texarkana and Southwest Arkansas, border schools present opportunities for shared delivery models with Texas programs.

Rural

Arkansas faces rural OST challenges such as transportation, staffing, and facility access. Local programs often use libraries, churches, and 4-H groups as hubs. Mobile programs and shared staffing models help overcome infrastructure gaps.

Federal Funding

Arkansas’s largest public funding source for afterschool is 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), administered by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). These programs offer academic enrichment, tutoring, SEL, arts, and physical activity, often during before- and after-school hours and summer.

State Funding

Arkansas does not have a dedicated state OST funding line. However, districts may allocate Title I or ESSER funds. The state has used ARPA funding to pilot summer and learning recovery initiatives and encourages cross-sector collaboration to improve access.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC (federal): main OST grant funding
  • ESSER & Title I funds: support learning recovery and enrichment
  • Local school districts: in-kind and staff support
  • Philanthropy: Walmart Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation
  • Parent fees: sliding scale or waived for low-income families

Family Involvement

Ask schools about 21st CCLC and local OST offerings. YMCAs, libraries, and churches are common providers. Contact your local education cooperative for regional resources.

Partner Involvement

Apply for 21st CCLC via DESE, or partner with school districts or nonprofits. Join Arkansas Out-of-School Network (AOSN) to access grants, policy updates, and OST training.

Arkansas Afterschool Resources

Related Arkansas MindWorks Pages

See the following MindWorks pages for information about states, organizations, or products that may be relevant to Arkansas.

States

  • Louisiana – Shares southern regional context and similar funding models through 21st CCLC and ESSER allocations.
  • Oklahoma – Neighboring state with comparable rural OST challenges and tribal-serving programs.
  • Mississippi – Similar demographics and focus on equity in afterschool access.
  • Texas – Regional anchor with extensive OST funding and scalable implementation strategies.
  • Tennessee – Known for statewide afterschool coordination and investment in enrichment-based programming.

Organizations

  • 4-H – Active through University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension with strong rural programming.
  • Communities In Schools – Operates in select Arkansas school districts supporting high-need students.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs – Extensive statewide presence, especially in underserved areas.