Kansas Afterschool Programs

Mindi the fox in a vest stands proudly in front of a Kansas map with icons of sunflowers, a bell, windmill, and farm.
Mindi the fox in a vest stands proudly in front of a Kansas map with icons of sunflowers, a bell, windmill, and farm.

Afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs in Kansas serve approximately 70,400 students annually, providing critical support to working families and enriching learning opportunities for youth. Despite this reach, an estimated 132,700 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 Kansas's OST landscape, offering academic enrichment and youth development activities to students, particularly those from high-poverty and low-performing schools.

Kansas'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.

Kansas Afterschool Impact

Afterschool programs in Kansas 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 Kansas's youth.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Participants in Kansas'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, Kansas'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 Kansas State Department of Education

Metro

Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City (KS), and Salina have established afterschool ecosystems. Programming is often coordinated by school districts, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, or public libraries.

Rural

Many OST programs are run through schools, churches, and 4-H clubs. Regional Service Centers provide staff and curriculum supports. Some districts collaborate across county lines to maximize delivery.

Federal Funding

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) manages the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. Funds support academic enrichment, mentoring, tutoring, and SEL services for students in underperforming schools.

State Funding

Kansas does not have a dedicated OST funding line, but state-supported initiatives and Title I funding are used to supplement afterschool. Regional Service Centers and community foundations often play a fiscal support role.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC (federal): administered by KSDE
  • ESSER and Title I funds (district use)
  • Philanthropy: Sunflower Foundation, United Way
  • Parent fees or school subsidies

Family Involvement

Ask your school about 21st CCLC or local programs. Libraries, YMCAs, and churches often host accessible afterschool activities.

Partner Involvement

Organizations can partner with districts, Service Centers, or apply for grants. The Kansas Enrichment Network helps align stakeholders and promote quality improvement.

Kansas Afterschool Resources

Related Kansas MindWorks Pages

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

States

  • Nebraska – Neighboring state with similar rural OST delivery and community-based partnerships.
  • Missouri – Regional alignment in OST policy efforts and federally funded enrichment initiatives.
  • Iowa – Shared OST priorities in agriculture-focused learning and small-town program access.
  • Oklahoma – Adjacent state with rural OST outreach models and workforce development initiatives.
  • Colorado – Offers statewide OST strategies that complement Kansas' rural implementation needs.

Organizations

  • 4-H – Kansas State University Extension delivers OST programming throughout rural counties with a focus on leadership and STEM.
  • Afterschool Alliance – Supports Kansas OST providers through advocacy tools and national visibility.
  • United Way – Regional chapters fund school-based and community OST efforts across Kansas.