Maryland Afterschool Programs

Mindi the fox in a black blazer, standing before a Maryland map with icons of a crab, graduation cap, capitol, and family sup
Mindi the fox in a black blazer, standing before a Maryland map with icons of a crab, graduation cap, capitol, and family sup

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

Maryland'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.

Maryland Afterschool Priorities

The Maryland state-wide priorities for afterschool learning emphasize equity, whole-child development, and meaningful engagement beyond the school day. Under federal 21st CCLC funding and state-aligned strategic goals, Maryland OST programs focus on academic acceleration, SEL, college and career readiness, family partnerships, and safe, supportive environments. These priorities guide local implementation in urban, rural, and suburban communities alike.

Academic Enrichment & Equity

  • Why it matters: Maryland targets opportunity gaps with intentional programming that builds literacy, math, and interdisciplinary skills in under-resourced schools. Programs are expected to address academic recovery and long-term acceleration.
  • Program Implication: Enrichment must go beyond tutoring — integrating project-based learning, differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive content.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our Cornerstone and Brain Boost kits support Maryland priorities with hands-on literacy, STEM, and social studies activities aligned to student growth and equity.”

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Youth Development

  • Why it matters: SEL is embedded in Maryland’s statewide education strategy, emphasizing identity, communication, and emotional regulation. OST programs are on the front lines of post-pandemic recovery and mental health support.
  • Program Implication: Activities should weave SEL skills into daily routines — fostering collaboration, goal-setting, and behavior regulation through structured play and reflection.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Imaginate builds confidence and expression through creative storytelling, role-play, and group problem-solving — every lesson reinforces SEL outcomes.”

College & Career Readiness (CCR)

  • Why it matters: Maryland promotes early exposure to future-ready skills like critical thinking, creativity, and leadership. OST is expected to build pathways, not just activities.
  • Program Implication: Enrichment should provide career exploration, personal goal-setting, and real-world connections — even at elementary levels.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our programs inspire a CCR mindset through collaborative projects and self-expression that help kids explore who they are and who they can become.”

Family & Community Engagement

  • Why it matters: Family partnerships are essential to program success and sustainability. Maryland encourages programs to be community-anchored, with take-home learning and family events.
  • Program Implication: Activities should offer artifacts kids can bring home, encourage shared discussion, and provide opportunities for public celebration of student work.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our take-home extensions and showcase-ready projects invite families into the learning process — making enrichment visible, valued, and shared.”

Safe, Inclusive, and Enriching Environments

  • Why it matters: OST settings must be safe and nurturing, especially for underserved youth. Maryland evaluates programs on engagement, climate, and youth voice.
  • Program Implication: Curricula should be culturally relevant, age-appropriate, and structured to foster belonging and creativity.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our kits give facilitators the tools to create safe, vibrant environments where kids feel seen, heard, and excited to come back tomorrow.”

Maryland Afterschool Impact

Afterschool programs in Maryland 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 Maryland's youth.

📚 Academic Outcomes

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

Metro

Baltimore, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County have robust OST networks involving schools, libraries, YMCAs, and advocacy coalitions. OST is part of larger cradle-to-career strategies.

Rural

Rural providers include county school systems, 4-H, and libraries. Regional hubs support transportation, staff training, and grant sharing.

Federal Funding

Maryland’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers are administered by the State Department of Education and fund high-need districts for afterschool and summer enrichment.

State Funding

The state invests in OST via the Maryland Leads initiative, Learning in Extended Academic Programs (LEAP), and Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Baltimore and Montgomery County also provide local OST funding.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC (federal)
  • Maryland Leads and LEAP grants (state)
  • Local youth services and health funds
  • Philanthropy: Annie E. Casey Foundation, Weinberg Foundation
  • Family fees or waivers

Family Involvement

Families can find programs via schools, United Way, or OST directories. Many services are free with meals and transport.

Partner Involvement

Apply through MSDE or collaborate via city or regional OST networks. Join Maryland Out of School Time (MOST) network for tools and advocacy.

Maryland Afterschool Resources

Related Maryland MindWorks Pages

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

States

  • Virginia – Immediate neighbor with similar suburban and urban OST priorities and state-level support structures.
  • Pennsylvania – Shares regional funding strategies and collaborative OST policy initiatives.
  • Delaware – Small state with strong statewide networks, mirrors Maryland’s emphasis on academic alignment.
  • District of Columbia – Shares metro area programs and regional initiatives across state lines.
  • New Jersey – Emphasizes equity and statewide coordination in OST programs, similar to Maryland’s goals.
  • New York – Northeast regional leader with strong nonprofit and government partnerships in expanded learning.

Organizations

  • Afterschool Alliance – Headquartered in Washington, D.C., and closely aligned with Maryland-based policy and advocacy efforts.
  • United Way – United Way of Central Maryland supports multiple local OST initiatives and family engagement programs.
  • YMCA – Operates major afterschool networks throughout Maryland, especially in Baltimore and suburban areas.