Nebraska Afterschool Programs

Milo stands proudly in front of Nebraska, with icons of corn, cattle, a schoolhouse, and people.
Milo stands proudly in front of Nebraska, with icons of corn, cattle, a schoolhouse, and people.

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

Nebraska'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.

Nebraska Afterschool Impact

Afterschool programs in Nebraska 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 Nebraska's youth.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Participants in Nebraska'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, Nebraska'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 Nebraska Department of Education

Metro

Omaha and Lincoln offer coordinated OST systems supported by United Way, Collective for Youth, and local school districts. Focus areas include equity, mentorship, and family engagement.

Rural

Rural programs use school sites, 4-H clubs, and libraries. Regional education service units (ESUs) provide staff training, evaluation, and curriculum support.

Federal Funding

The Nebraska Department of Education oversees 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), which fund programs in high-poverty schools for extended learning, STEM, SEL, and summer services.

State Funding

Nebraska does not have a recurring OST line item but supports OST through Learning Community initiatives, state health and safety grants, and local match funding in metro areas.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC (federal)
  • Learning Community and local match funding
  • Private foundations: Sherwood Foundation, United Way
  • School district support
  • Parent fees (limited use)

Family Involvement

Ask local schools or libraries about OST options. Programs are often free and offer homework help, enrichment, and transportation.

Partner Involvement

Apply through NDE or collaborate with grantees. Nebraska Children and Families Foundation and Beyond School Bells provide technical assistance.

Nebraska Afterschool Resources

Related Nebraska MindWorks Pages

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

States

  • Iowa – Shares rural OST implementation models and collaborative enrichment strategies through local networks.
  • Kansas – Neighboring state with OST emphasis on family engagement and rural service delivery.
  • South Dakota – Similar tribal and small-town OST access challenges with state and nonprofit partnerships.
  • Colorado – Offers mentorship and policy support for OST network development in adjacent states like Nebraska.
  • Missouri – Peer state in OST advocacy and federally supported enrichment for underserved communities.

Organizations

  • Afterschool Alliance – Supports Nebraska’s OST visibility through rural-specific data and Lights On campaigns.
  • 4-H – University of Nebraska Extension delivers hands-on enrichment and SEL-based afterschool programs statewide.
  • United Way – Funds local OST initiatives focused on academic support and community partnership in both Lincoln and Omaha.