Afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs in Texas serve hundreds of thousands of students each year, providing essential academic and enrichment opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. An estimated 1 million Texas children participate in afterschool programs annually, including more than 160,000 students engaged in federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC). Despite this reach, approximately 1.5 million children remain unsupervised after school across the state, indicating a substantial unmet demand for quality OST programming.
These programs are critical in addressing educational equity and supporting the holistic development of Texas youth. Afterschool initiatives in Texas focus on improving academic outcomes, promoting social-emotional learning (SEL), and preparing students for future college and career success. Many programs prioritize services for economically disadvantaged students and those in underserved communities. Funding comes from a combination of federal sources—primarily Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act—and state or local investments. Texas faces unique geographic challenges, including serving rural and border communities, which adds complexity to OST program delivery. The state benefits from the coordination and advocacy of its statewide afterschool network, which plays a key role in supporting program quality and access.