

New York State’s afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs serve a significant number of students annually. In New York City alone, universal afterschool programming reaches approximately 184,000 public school students, with plans to expand further in the coming years. Statewide, 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs provide services to about 60,000 students across 370 communities. Despite these efforts, a substantial number of children—approximately 779,281—are unsupervised during the afterschool hours, indicating a significant unmet demand for such programs.
Afterschool programs in New York focus on providing academic support, promoting equity, offering enrichment activities, and fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) to prepare students for college and career readiness. These programs are particularly vital for high-need or economically disadvantaged students, including those experiencing poverty or homelessness. Funding for these programs comes from both federal and state sources, with the 21st CCLC programs authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Additional investments, such as the Learning and Enrichment Afterschool Program Supports (LEAPS) initiative, aim to expand access and address gaps in service.
New York's diverse geography and population present unique challenges in delivering OST programs, particularly in rural areas and among tribal communities. The state benefits from coordinated efforts through networks like the New York State Network for Youth Success, which supports the development and sustainability of high-quality afterschool programs.