Nevada Afterschool Programs

Mindi the fox wearing glasses points to Nevada icons like mountains, Stratosphere tower, school, cactus, and family.
Mindi the fox wearing glasses points to Nevada icons like mountains, Stratosphere tower, school, cactus, and family.
Flexible, fun, and Nevada-ready.

Nevada’s afterschool and out-of-school-time (OST) programs play a critical role in supporting youth across the state, particularly in underserved communities. Nearly half of surveyed programs reported serving 500 or more youth during the 2022–2023 school year. These programs focus on academic enrichment, social-emotional learning (SEL), and career readiness, with a strong emphasis on equity and access.

Federal funding through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program supports many of Nevada’s OST initiatives. In FY 2023, Nevada received $11.7 million in federal funds for 21st CCLC programs, with a proposed increase to $18.3 million in FY 2024. These funds help provide academic support, enrichment activities, and family engagement opportunities, particularly in high-poverty and low-performing schools. Additionally, the Nevada Afterschool Network offers professional development and resources to enhance program quality statewide.

How MindWorks Benefits Nevada Afterschool Programs

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MindWorks afterschool enrichment kits support Nevada’s goals for enrichment and academic recovery, giving schools and providers easy-to-use resources that work in real-world afterschool settings.

MindWorks supports afterschool and OST programs across Nevada with hands-on curriculum kits that blend academic skill-building, creativity, and SEL. Our K–8 programs are built for flexible implementation—ideal for schools and partners funded through 21st CCLC, ESSER, or state enrichment grants. As Nevada continues to prioritize access and quality in extended learning, MindWorks helps programs meet those goals with engaging, standards-aligned content that’s easy for staff to deliver and meaningful for students to experience. Whether used during afterschool, intersession, or summer, our kits help Nevada programs bring learning to life.

Nevada Afterschool Impact

Afterschool programs in Nevada have demonstrated significant positive outcomes for participating youth. They provide safe, engaging environments that promote academic achievement, improve attendance, foster social-emotional development, and prepare students for college and careers.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Students in Nevada’s afterschool programs receive homework assistance and engage in STEM learning activities, contributing to improved academic performance. Programs also offer tutoring and enrichment that align with school-day curricula.

🏫 Attendance & Engagement

Participation in OST programs correlates with better school-day attendance and increased engagement. Parents report that these programs help keep children safe and out of trouble during afterschool hours.

🧠 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Nevada has adopted the CASEL framework to guide SEL implementation in schools and OST programs. This approach supports students in developing self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

🎓 College & Career Readiness

Afterschool programs offer leadership development, mentoring, and exposure to college and career pathways. Initiatives like the Nevada Flight Crew engage youth in STEM experiences, inspiring them to pursue careers in science and technology.

Sources: Nevada Afterschool Network and Afterschool Alliance

Metro

Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) have strong OST infrastructures supported by school districts, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and city governments. Smaller districts also work with providers like Communities In Schools and local youth nonprofits.

Rural

Rural districts partner with libraries, 4-H, and faith-based organizations. Transportation and staffing are common challenges. Virtual and hybrid programs are increasingly used to reach isolated students.

Federal Funding

The Nevada Department of Education administers 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), which fund free afterschool and summer programs at high-poverty schools. These programs focus on academic support, enrichment, SEL, and family engagement.

State Funding

Nevada does not have a dedicated OST funding line, but has used ARPA and ESSER funds to support re-engagement, summer learning, and mental health programming. Local education agencies may use Title I and other funds to support afterschool services.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC (federal): main OST funding stream
  • ARPA and ESSER allocations (short-term)
  • Local district budgets and in-kind support
  • Philanthropy: Andre Agassi Foundation, NV Community Foundation
  • Parent fees or scholarships (based on provider)

Family Involvement

Families should contact their child’s school, Boys & Girls Club, or library for local options. Many programs are free or offer sliding scale rates. Check district or city youth program directories.

Partner Involvement

Afterschool providers can apply through the Nevada Department of Education or partner with local school districts. The Nevada Afterschool Network offers training, advocacy, and quality tools.

Nevada Afterschool Resources

Related Nevada MindWorks Pages

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

States

  • Arizona – Shares southwestern context, funding models, and strategies for serving high-need and tribal communities.
  • California – Neighboring leader in OST innovation and scalable programs like ELO-P, relevant for large Nevada districts.
  • Utah – Regional peer with similar rural and suburban OST coordination and quality frameworks.
  • Colorado – Western state with a strong network for rural OST delivery and SEL integration.
  • New Mexico – Shares demographic and geographic OST challenges; emphasizes culturally responsive programming.

Organizations

  • Boys & Girls Clubs – Operates widely in Nevada, especially in urban centers like Las Vegas and Reno.
  • 4-H – Delivered via University of Nevada Extension, reaching rural and tribal communities with STEM and leadership content.
  • YMCA – Active in Nevada metro areas with academic support, SEL, and family-focused OST programs.