Afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs in Colorado serve approximately 100,000 students annually, offering critical support to working families and enriching learning opportunities for youth. Despite this reach, an estimated 500,000 children remain without access to afterschool programs, highlighting a significant unmet demand. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative, funded under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, plays a pivotal role in Colorado's OST landscape, providing academic enrichment and youth development activities to students, particularly those from high-poverty and low-performing schools.
Colorado's afterschool programs focus on academic support, equity, enrichment, social-emotional learning (SEL), and college and career readiness. These programs are especially vital for students in rural and underserved communities, including tribal areas, providing access to quality learning experiences and supportive environments. Statewide coordination efforts aim to enhance the quality and accessibility of OST programs across the state.