Hawaii Afterschool Programs

Mindi the fox in a dress and shell necklace stands by Hawaii map with hibiscus, waves, paddle, and house icons.
Mindi the fox in a dress and shell necklace stands by Hawaii map with hibiscus, waves, paddle, and house icons.

Afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs in Hawaii 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 Hawaii's OST landscape, offering academic enrichment and youth development activities to students, particularly those from high-poverty and low-performing schools.

Hawaii'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.

Hawaii Afterschool Impact

Afterschool programs in Hawaii 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 Hawaii's youth.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Participants in Hawaii'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, Hawaii'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 Hawaii Department of Education

Metro

Honolulu and Maui counties have robust OST ecosystems involving schools, YMCAs, and cultural nonprofits. Programs often emphasize Native Hawaiian values and intergenerational learning.

Rural

Rural and neighbor island programs use school hubs, mobile classrooms, and hybrid formats. Community providers offer language and culture-based education with STEM or SEL focus.

Federal Funding

Hawaii’s Department of Education administers 21st CCLC funding and uses federal ESSA and ARPA grants to support OST and summer programs, especially in Title I schools.

State Funding

Hawaii allocated $20 million in 2025 for summer learning and enrichment. Additional funding comes from the state DOE’s student wellness and tutoring initiatives.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC and ESSER (federal)
  • Hawaii DOE summer and equity grants
  • Kamehameha Schools and local foundations
  • County youth development funds
  • Sliding scale family contributions

Family Involvement

Contact your school, YMCA, or local nonprofit. Many services are free and include meals, tutoring, and transportation.

Partner Involvement

Organizations may apply via HIDOE or partner with school-based programs. Afterschool Alliance Hawaii and community groups support collaboration.

Hawaii Afterschool Resources

Related Hawaii MindWorks Pages

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

States

  • California – Shares Pacific region dynamics and OST innovation at scale through state-led programs.
  • Washington – West Coast state with federal and state OST models comparable to Hawaii’s structure.
  • Arizona – Offers OST programming in similar underserved, multicultural contexts with bilingual and tribal support.
  • New Mexico – Strong parallels in supporting Native and Hispanic communities through culturally relevant OST.
  • Nevada – Emphasizes family engagement and OST in high-need areas, similar to Hawaii’s statewide goals.

Organizations

  • Military Installations – Hawaii hosts major bases with DoD-supported OST programming for military-connected youth.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs – Operates across the islands providing high-impact afterschool programs in underserved areas.
  • 4-H – University of Hawaii Extension delivers 4-H programming with local cultural adaptation for OST settings.