Illinois Afterschool Programs

Mindi the fox points at icons of education, family, corn, and skyscrapers in front of an outline of Illinois.
Mindi the fox points at icons of education, family, corn, and skyscrapers in front of an outline of Illinois.

Afterschool programs in Illinois serve as a vital support system for students and families across the state. Each year, these programs reach approximately 350,000 students, offering academic assistance, enrichment activities, and safe environments during out-of-school hours. The federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program contributes significantly to this effort, providing services to over 25,000 students statewide. Despite this reach, a substantial number of children—estimated at over 400,000—remain unsupervised after school, highlighting a significant unmet demand for quality afterschool care.

Illinois's afterschool programs focus on enhancing academic performance, promoting equity, and supporting social-emotional learning (SEL). These programs are particularly crucial for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, offering resources and opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. Funding for these initiatives comes from a combination of federal and state sources, including Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. However, recent delays in the release of allocated state funds have disrupted services for approximately 27,000 youths, underscoring the need for timely and consistent funding mechanisms. Illinois's diverse geography, encompassing both urban and rural areas, presents unique challenges in ensuring equitable access to afterschool programs. Organizations like ACT Now play a pivotal role in coordinating efforts and advocating for policies that support the expansion and sustainability of out-of-school time (OST) programs throughout the state.

Illinois Afterschool Priorities

Illinois’ afterschool landscape — shaped by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), 21st CCLC programs, and regional partnerships — focuses on closing equity gaps, accelerating learning, and supporting the whole child through safe, inclusive, and engaging extended learning opportunities. Programs are expected to offer academically grounded, SEL-integrated enrichment that fosters youth voice, family connection, and long-term success.

Academic Enrichment & Learning Recovery

  • Why it matters: Illinois continues to prioritize learning acceleration in reading and math, particularly in districts serving students who were disproportionately affected by disrupted instruction.
  • Program Implication: Curriculum must reinforce academic skills and standards without replicating the school day, blending content mastery with creativity and fun.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our kits offer standards-aligned literacy and STEM activities that help students close gaps while staying engaged and motivated.”

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Mental Health Support

  • Why it matters: ISBE and many local funders expect afterschool programs to support the whole child — including emotional resilience, self-regulation, and peer connection.
  • Program Implication: Activities must embed SEL principles, creating safe, welcoming environments for all students.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “MindWorks kits incorporate SEL throughout — from teamwork and reflection to creative problem-solving and self-expression.”

Equity & Access for Underserved Youth

  • Why it matters: Illinois is focused on equitable access to expanded learning for low-income students, English learners, students with disabilities, and communities of color.
  • Program Implication: Materials must be inclusive, culturally responsive, and accessible to diverse learners with varying support needs.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our content is designed to be inclusive and adaptable — with visual supports, flexible formats, and culturally aware themes that welcome every student.”

Family & Community Engagement

  • Why it matters: Illinois 21st CCLC programs and ISBE grantees are expected to build strong bridges between schools, families, and community partners.
  • Program Implication: Activities should include moments that encourage families to connect with student learning and celebrate growth.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our curriculum includes organic opportunities for family connection — from sharing student projects to inviting families into the enrichment experience.”

Youth Voice, Choice & Real-World Readiness

  • Why it matters: Illinois OST leaders value programming that helps students build leadership, agency, and future-ready skills — especially in middle school.
  • Program Implication: Curriculum should be choice-based, inquiry-driven, and rooted in exploration that prepares students for real-world success.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our kits encourage students to make decisions, express ideas, and collaborate — building 21st-century skills through every activity.”

Illinois Afterschool Impact

Afterschool programs in Illinois have demonstrated significant positive impacts on student outcomes and community well-being. By providing structured environments for learning and development, these programs contribute to improved academic performance, increased school attendance, enhanced social skills, and better preparation for post-secondary endeavors.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Students participating in afterschool programs often exhibit improved proficiency in reading and mathematics. Regular attendance in these programs is associated with higher homework completion rates and greater classroom engagement.

🏫 Attendance & Engagement

Afterschool initiatives contribute to better school-day attendance and reduced absenteeism. They also foster increased student motivation and participation in school activities.

🧠 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Programs incorporate SEL frameworks to help students develop emotional regulation, resilience, and positive peer relationships. These efforts are particularly beneficial for students who have experienced trauma or face mental health challenges.

🎓 College & Career Readiness

Afterschool programs offer mentoring, leadership development, and exposure to college and career pathways. Some programs provide opportunities for workforce readiness training and dual-credit courses, aligning with students' future goals.

Sources: ACT Now and Illinois State Board of Education

Metro

Chicago has one of the largest OST networks in the country, supported by CPS, After School Matters, and local nonprofits. Rockford, Peoria, and Champaign also have strong school-community collaborations. Park districts play a key role across the state.

Rural

In rural Illinois, schools and regional education agencies collaborate with nonprofits and libraries to offer afterschool programming. Transportation and staffing are the primary barriers addressed through shared resources and volunteerism.

Federal Funding

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) manages 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) to provide enrichment and academic support at underperforming schools. Grants are awarded to districts and community-based providers.

State Funding

Illinois does not have a dedicated line item for afterschool, but several state agencies (e.g., DHS, ISBE, DCEO) fund OST indirectly through youth development, violence prevention, and workforce programs. Chicago and Cook County also offer municipal youth investments.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC (federal): administered by ISBE
  • Local district funds and municipal youth development dollars
  • State agency grants (e.g., DHS, DCEO)
  • Private philanthropy: MacArthur Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation
  • Park district and park foundation resources

Family Involvement

Families should ask schools or park districts about afterschool options. Chicago parents can search via CPS or After School Matters. Most programs are free or low-cost.

Partner Involvement

Apply through ISBE’s 21st CCLC grant process or partner with existing providers. Join the Illinois Afterschool Network for support, training, and policy updates.

Illinois Afterschool Resources

Related Illinois MindWorks Pages

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

States

  • Indiana – Immediate neighbor with similar school-community OST partnerships and regional grant programs.
  • Missouri – Shares rural outreach challenges and state-supported 21st CCLC expansion efforts.
  • Michigan – Focus on workforce readiness and afterschool innovation aligns closely with Illinois priorities.
  • Wisconsin – Neighboring state with active OST policy networks and university-partnered afterschool efforts.
  • Ohio – Midwestern peer with similar state-level coordination and a growing focus on SEL in afterschool programming.

Organizations

  • Communities In Schools – Strong presence in Illinois school districts providing integrated student support through OST.
  • 4-H – Operates statewide through Illinois Extension, providing STEM and leadership activities in afterschool settings.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) – Active in urban and rural communities across Illinois with mentoring-aligned afterschool programs.