Delaware Afterschool Programs

Milo the fox in a blue shirt, pointing to a Delaware map with icons of a lighthouse, crab, capitol dome, and family support.
Milo the fox in a blue shirt, pointing to a Delaware map with icons of a lighthouse, crab, capitol dome, and family support.

Afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs in Delaware serve thousands of students annually, providing critical support for working families and enriching learning opportunities for youth. Despite this reach, a significant number of children remain without access to afterschool programs, highlighting a substantial 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 Delaware's OST landscape, offering academic enrichment and youth development activities to students, particularly those from high-poverty and low-performing schools.

Delaware'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, 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.

Delaware Afterschool Impact

Afterschool programs in Delaware contribute significantly to student development, offering safe and engaging environments that promote academic success, personal growth, and future readiness. By addressing the needs of underserved populations and fostering community partnerships, these programs play a crucial role in supporting the well-being and achievement of Delaware's youth.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Participants in Delaware's 21st CCLC programs have demonstrated improvements in homework completion and class participation, contributing to enhanced academic performance.

🏫 Attendance & Engagement

Afterschool programs have been associated with improved school-day attendance and increased student engagement, fostering a positive connection to learning.

🧠 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Through SEL frameworks and supportive practices, Delaware's OST programs help students develop emotional regulation, resilience, and strong peer relationships.

🎓 College & Career Readiness

Initiatives within afterschool programs provide students with exposure to college and career pathways, including leadership development and mentoring opportunities.

Sources: Afterschool Alliance and Delaware Department of Education

Metro

Wilmington and Dover OST programs are supported by United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs, and libraries.

Rural

Schools and libraries partner to deliver programs. Transportation remains a challenge in rural areas.

Federal Funding

Delaware DOE administers 21st CCLC grants for Title I schools.

State Funding

State funding includes ESSER allocations and community learning grants.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC
  • ESSER and youth development funds
  • Local education grants
  • United Way
  • Sliding scale or no-cost access

Family Involvement

Ask schools or DAAN for local options. Most include tutoring and meals.

Partner Involvement

Join DAAN or apply through the Delaware DOE.

Delaware Afterschool Resources

Related Delaware MindWorks Pages

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

States

  • Maryland – Neighboring state with similar OST infrastructure and strong nonprofit partnerships.
  • New Jersey – Shared regional priorities around urban OST access and family engagement.
  • Pennsylvania – Proximity and collaborative education networks make OST coordination relevant across state lines.
  • District of Columbia – Collaborates with DC on urban education access and nonprofit delivery models.
  • Connecticut – Emphasizes equity and localized support in OST programming, relevant to Delaware’s scale.
  • Rhode Island – Small-state peer with similar approaches to community-based OST models and SEL integration.

Organizations

  • Afterschool Alliance – Delaware is frequently represented in advocacy and state data sets.
  • United Way – A key funder and coordinator for Delaware OST coalitions and enrichment initiatives.
  • YMCA – Operates OST programs across Delaware focused on wellness, SEL, and academic support.