Military Afterschool Programs

Milo the fox in military uniform salutes proudly in front of icons representing education, family, and military service.
Milo the fox in military uniform salutes proudly in front of icons representing education, family, and military service.
Mission-ready learning. Built for every base.

The U.S. military provides a comprehensive network of afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs designed to support the unique needs of military-connected children and youth. These programs are implemented across all service branches and are available on installations worldwide, offering consistent, high-quality care and enrichment opportunities. Key components include School-Age Care (SAC) programs, Youth Centers, and specialized initiatives like the Department of Defense (DoD) STARBASE program.

These OST programs aim to promote academic achievement, social-emotional development, and physical well-being among military-connected youth. They provide safe and structured environments where children can engage in various activities, including homework assistance, STEM education, arts and crafts, and sports. By addressing the challenges associated with military life, such as frequent relocations and parental deployments, these programs play a vital role in enhancing the resilience and overall well-being of military families.

How MindWorks Benefits Military Afterschool Programs

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Military kids move a lot — but their learning shouldn’t have to start over each time. Our kits give staff the tools to deliver consistent, hands-on enrichment that builds confidence, structure, and connection—wherever students are stationed.

MindWorks supports afterschool and youth programs that serve the children of our nation’s service members. Our curriculum kits align with the mission of military-connected programs like Army Child & Youth Services (CYS) ↗, Child & Youth Programs (Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force) ↗, and DoD STARBASE ↗ by reinforcing 21st Century skills through hands-on learning. Whether on base or in a partner setting, MindWorks helps youth leaders deliver engaging, standards-aware enrichment that supports social-emotional growth, sparks STEM interest, and strengthens family engagement—all without requiring certified educators.

Military Afterschool Impact

Military-sponsored afterschool and OST programs have demonstrated significant positive outcomes in supporting the development and well-being of military-connected youth. By offering consistent and high-quality care, these programs contribute to the readiness and retention of service members by ensuring their children are well-supported during out-of-school hours.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Participants in military OST programs often experience improved academic performance due to access to homework support, tutoring, and educational enrichment activities. Programs like DoD STARBASE provide hands-on STEM experiences that enhance students' interest and proficiency in science and technology subjects.

🏫 Attendance & Engagement

Regular attendance in these programs fosters a sense of routine and stability, leading to better school attendance and increased engagement in learning. The structured environment and supportive staff encourage positive behaviors and active participation in educational activities.

🧠 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Military OST programs emphasize the development of social-emotional skills, helping children build resilience, manage stress, and develop healthy relationships. Through group activities and mentorship, youth learn to navigate the challenges associated with military life effectively.

🎓 College & Career Readiness

These programs offer various opportunities for career exploration and skill development, preparing youth for future educational and employment endeavors. Initiatives such as the Youth Challenge Program provide at-risk youth with the tools and support needed to achieve their academic and career goals.

Sources: Department of Defense and Military OneSource

Metro

Major bases such as Fort Cavazos (TX), Fort Liberty (NC), Camp Pendleton (CA), and Joint Base San Antonio (TX) support on-site OST through MWR-managed CYPs. Programs are standardized across services.

Rural

Many bases are located in rural or semi-rural settings. Youth are served via base Youth Centers, 4-H military partnerships, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America military programs.

Federal Funding

Programs are primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) through its Child & Youth Programs (CYP), School-Age Care (SAC), and Youth Centers. DoDEA schools may offer their own OST services as well.

State Funding

Military base OST is federally operated, but state subsidies like CCS (in Texas) or MCCYN funding may support off-base civilian care options when needed.

All Funding Sources

  • DoD CYP funding (on-base care)
  • MCCYN and MCCYN-PLUS (off-base subsidies)
  • DoDEA and Military OneSource supports
  • BGCA and 4-H Military Partnerships

Family Involvement

Visit MilitaryChildCare.com to register. On-base programs offer sliding scale fees. For off-base care, explore MCCYN eligibility.

Partner Involvement

Organizations near bases can apply to MCCYN or partner with BGCA or 4-H Military Partnerships. School Liaisons offer collaboration points.

Military Afterschool Resources

Are you a CYS, CYP, or MWR program lead? Contact us to learn how our curriculum kits align with your mission—and meet HUBZone procurement goals.

Related Military MindWorks Pages

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

States

  • Texas – Hosts numerous military bases with OST programs tailored for military families.
  • Virginia – Includes major DoD hubs and strong OST infrastructure supporting base-connected youth.
  • North Carolina – Home to several military bases with OST programs run by BGCA and DoDEA partners.
  • Hawaii – High proportion of military-connected youth with custom OST programs on base.
  • California – Offers large-scale OST services to military children across multiple installations.

Organizations

  • YMCA – Often operates DoD-supported OST programs for military families through Armed Services YMCAs.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs – BGCA runs Youth Centers on U.S. military bases worldwide.
  • 4-H – 4-H Military Partnerships support OST programming on and near military installations nationwide.

Products

Our products are designed to bring consistency and confidence to military-connected youth — wherever they’re stationed. MindWorks kits help Youth Centers, SACs, and partner programs deliver hands-on academic enrichment that supports PCS transitions, deployment cycles, and OST learning on base or in the community.

  • Brain Boost – Supports academic confidence and recovery with ready-to-run activities in math, science, and literacy — ideal for SACs, tutoring blocks, or deployment-cycle support.
  • Cornerstone – Offers structured, theme-based learning that works across summer camps, transition support, and multi-site OST programs.
  • Imaginate – Encourages creative exploration and teamwork with open-ended STEAM challenges — great for weekend clubs, family nights, or Youth Center enrichment.
  • Base Camp – Provides early learning support for Pre-K and TK youth, perfect for CDCs, Kinder readiness events, or child-watch programming during family support services.

Looking to bring meaningful, consistent enrichment to your military-connected youth — wherever they’re stationed? Contact Us to learn how MindWorks can support your installation, program, or partner site.