North Dakota Afterschool Programs

Mindi stands in front of North Dakota, featuring bison, wheat, and school icons—dressed in a turtleneck and denim jacket.
Mindi stands in front of North Dakota, featuring bison, wheat, and school icons—dressed in a turtleneck and denim jacket.

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

North Dakota'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.

North Dakota Afterschool Impact

Afterschool programs in North Dakota 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 North Dakota's youth.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Participants in North Dakota'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, North Dakota'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 North Dakota Department of Public Instruction

Metro

Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks offer coordinated OST efforts with support from schools, YMCAs, and United Way agencies.

Rural

Most OST programs are rural. Tribal education agencies and public schools host programs that integrate Native culture, STEM, and SEL. Transportation and staffing are key challenges.

Federal Funding

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction manages 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), the primary funding source for OST in high-need schools.

State Funding

There is no dedicated OST line in the state budget. North Dakota supports youth programming through tobacco prevention, juvenile justice, and pandemic recovery funds.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC (federal)
  • Tobacco prevention and juvenile justice grants
  • Tribal education and BIE funds
  • Philanthropy: Dakota Medical Foundation
  • Sliding scale parent fees

Family Involvement

Ask local schools or tribal councils about OST. Most programs are free and offer snacks, tutoring, and family engagement.

Partner Involvement

Apply through ND DPI or partner with tribal or school-based grantees. North Dakota Afterschool Network supports training and coalition-building.

North Dakota Afterschool Resources

Related North Dakota MindWorks Pages

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

States

  • South Dakota – Shares rural OST delivery barriers and tribal youth programming needs.
  • Montana – Tribal and frontier-focused OST models align closely with North Dakota’s needs.
  • Minnesota – Regional coordination partner with stronger statewide infrastructure that supports peer learning.
  • Iowa – Similar midwestern OST coordination focused on equity and small community access.
  • Nebraska – Shared geography and rural school-district partnerships in OST delivery.

Organizations

  • 4-H – Operates OST programs statewide through NDSU Extension, especially in tribal and rural areas.
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) – Supports OST programs in tribal schools across the state.
  • Afterschool Alliance – Advocates for OST in high-need, low-density states like North Dakota with specific policy resources.