Texas Afterschool Programs

Mindi the fox smiling in a teal shirt, with Texas icons behind her including an oil rig, capitol dome, and longhorn symbol.
Mindi the fox smiling in a teal shirt, with Texas icons behind her including an oil rig, capitol dome, and longhorn symbol.
Proudly born in Texas, built for Texas.

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.

📍 THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AT OSTI-CON 2025!

MindWorks Resources had an amazing time connecting with afterschool and expanded learning professionals at the 2025 OSTI-CON in Fort Worth! We loved sharing how our hands-on K–8 curriculum kits align with Texas ACE and 21st CCLC goals — and we hope you got a chance to visit Booths 3 & 4 or attend our session, “Full Throttle Learning: Creating Fun, Engaging, and TEKS-Aligned Activities for PK–8.”

👉 Missed the conference or want to revisit the highlights?

Explore featured activities, session takeaways, and our top curriculum picks on our OSTI-CON recap page:

🎁 Big congratulations to Grace Covarruvias from San Benito CISD — winner of our $350 Tecovas boots gift certificate! And thanks to everyone who joined the fun and entered. Don’t miss your chance in the future to grab more Texas-themed giveaways, lesson samples, and free downloads — all designed to help your program go full throttle in 2025 and beyond.

How MindWorks Benefits Texas Afterschool Programs

MindWorks started right here—and we’re committed to helping Texas students thrive. From rural districts to major metro ISDs, our curriculum kits are used across the state to power high-quality afterschool programming that’s academically aligned, TEKS-friendly, and fun to teach.

MindWorks is proud to call Texas home—and even prouder to serve as a trusted partner to afterschool and OST programs statewide. As the largest customer base for our curriculum kits, Texas districts rely on MindWorks to support 21st CCLC and Texas ACE goals with turnkey, academically rich enrichment. Our programs are built for K–8 learners, align with TEKS, and are ideal for high-need and Title I campuses. Whether implemented directly by districts or through partner organizations, MindWorks equips staff with engaging, easy-to-use materials that spark curiosity, build essential skills, and help meet grant and accountability requirements—all without requiring certified educators.

Texas Afterschool Priorities

The Texas state-wide priorities for afterschool learning, especially under Texas ACE and Title I, focus on ensuring students receive targeted academic support, build 21st-century skills, and stay engaged in safe, enriching environments. These priorities reflect a commitment to improving outcomes for underserved students while supporting schools with practical, sustainable programming options.

Academic Support & Learning Acceleration

  • Why it matters: Texas ACE emphasizes improving student academic outcomes in reading and math through targeted, high-impact enrichment.
  • Program Implication: Afterschool curriculum must support academic skill-building — not just homework help, but intentional, standards-aligned activities.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our kits reinforce core concepts through hands-on STEM and literacy activities that make learning stick.”

Family Engagement

  • Why it matters: Engaging families is a state requirement for ACE-funded programs and key to sustained student success.
  • Program Implication: Programs must offer take-home materials, family nights, or at-home extensions that build school-home partnerships.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our curriculum naturally supports family engagement by encouraging shared discussion, celebration, and participation across program activities”

College & Career Readiness (CCR)

  • Why it matters: Texas education leaders prioritize early exposure to future-ready skills like collaboration, creativity, and leadership — even in elementary grades.
  • Program Implication: Enrichment should develop 21st-century competencies and connect students with real-world learning.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “We build career-ready mindsets through creative challenges and teamwork — ideal for early exposure to CCR goals.”

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Behavior Support

  • Why it matters: Many Texas districts face behavior challenges post-COVID, and they need programs that foster emotional regulation and social development.
  • Program Implication: Activities should integrate SEL into every experience — not as an add-on, but as a core part of how students engage.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our activities support SEL outcomes — from cooperation and communication to goal setting and self-regulation.”

Attendance & Engagement (Boosting ADA)

  • Why it matters: Afterschool funding in Texas is often tied to Average Daily Attendance (ADA), making student engagement a fiscal and programmatic priority.
  • Program Implication: Curriculum must be fun, high-interest, and developmentally appropriate — especially for students who are hard to keep involved.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our kits help boost attendance by making afterschool the best part of the day — kids love the hands-on challenges and creative freedom.”

Texas Afterschool Impact

Afterschool programs across Texas have consistently demonstrated measurable benefits for students and communities. Outcomes include improved academic performance, higher attendance rates, and reductions in disciplinary incidents. Students report increased engagement, self-confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging. OST programs play a key role in closing opportunity gaps, especially in high-need areas, by providing access to career exploration, mentorship, and social-emotional learning (SEL). Many programs also incorporate trauma-informed practices, nutrition support, and partnerships with local organizations to meet broader community needs.

📚 Academic Outcomes

  • Students participating in Texas's 21st CCLC programs have shown improvements in reading and math proficiency.
  • Regular attendees demonstrate higher rates of homework completion and increased classroom participation.

🏫 Attendance & Engagement

  • Participation in afterschool programs is associated with improved school-day attendance and reduced absenteeism.
  • Students exhibit greater engagement in learning and a decrease in behavioral issues.

🧠 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

  • Programs incorporate SEL frameworks and trauma-informed practices, fostering emotional regulation and resilience.
  • Students develop stronger peer relationships and enhanced self-confidence.

🎓 College & Career Readiness

  • Afterschool initiatives provide leadership development, mentoring, and exposure to college and career pathways.
  • Programs offer hands-on experiences that align with workforce readiness skills.

Sources: Texas Education Agency and Afterschool Alliance Texas Fact Sheet

Metro

Major metro areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio have extensive afterschool networks. Houston’s “Out 2 Learn” is a citywide system coordinated by United Way. Dallas Afterschool provides quality support and grants to dozens of providers. Austin ISD partners with local nonprofits and community schools. Smaller cities like El Paso, Lubbock, and the Rio Grande Valley also operate robust OST systems through district and community partnerships.

Rural

Rural programs in Texas often rely on 21st CCLC funding, school-based hubs, and shared staffing models across districts. Libraries, churches, and 4-H clubs serve as delivery points in communities with limited infrastructure. Some regions use mobile enrichment labs, telehealth mental wellness integration, or hybrid tutoring formats to overcome transportation and broadband challenges.

Federal Funding

Texas receives federal funding for afterschool primarily through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This program supports high-poverty, low-performing schools with free afterschool, before-school, and summer enrichment. Services include tutoring, STEM, arts, physical activity, and family engagement. School districts, nonprofits, and community-based organizations can apply for grants.

State Funding

Texas does not have a recurring state-funded afterschool line item. However, districts may use Title I and ESSER funds to support enrichment. The Texas Legislature has historically supported expanded learning through ad hoc appropriations, summer bridge pilots, and regional innovation grants. TXPOST and advocacy coalitions are working to establish sustained OST investment in future state budgets.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC (federal): core OST funding for Title I schools
  • Local district budgets: Title I, ESSER, or general funds for staff or programming
  • Municipal youth funding: varies by city
  • Private philanthropy: foundations like Powell, Meadows, and United Way
  • Parent fees: common in YMCAs and licensed care, often on a sliding scale

Family Involvement

Families can ask their child’s school about participation in 21st CCLC or local OST programs. Many YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and library branches also offer afterschool care. Parents should inquire about CCS subsidy eligibility through the Texas Workforce Commission to reduce costs or find a provider nearby.

Partner Involvement

Educators and community organizations can partner with school districts to offer enrichment, apply for TEA grants under 21st CCLC, or collaborate with municipal youth departments. Groups can also join the Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) for policy updates, advocacy tools, and statewide networking opportunities.

Related Texas MindWorks Pages

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

States

  • California – A national leader in OST scale and innovation, mirroring Texas in size and funding diversity.
  • Oklahoma – Neighboring state with shared rural outreach strategies and tribal OST coordination.
  • Louisiana – Regional peer with similar federal grant utilization and enrichment-focused program design.
  • Florida – Shares demographic diversity and statewide OST frameworks with strong PBL and SEL integration.
  • New Mexico – Western neighbor with culturally responsive OST models relevant to Texas border and tribal communities.

Organizations