United Way Afterschool Programs

The MindWorks Fox representing United Way with associated imagery and icons
The MindWorks Fox representing United Way with associated imagery and icons

United Way is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world. With a presence in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories, United Way supports local solutions that strengthen education, income stability, and health — the building blocks of a good quality of life.

In the afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) space, United Way partners with schools, youth organizations, and local governments to expand access to academic support, enrichment, and wraparound services for children and teens. Their OST strategies are designed to meet local needs, especially in underserved areas, by funding and coordinating programs that improve learning outcomes and support working families.

United Way Afterschool Impact

United Way has made a significant impact in the OST landscape by helping communities scale effective afterschool programs and leverage collaborative funding models. Their work supports youth achievement, family stability, and long-term community resilience.

📚 Academic Outcomes

United Way-supported afterschool programs emphasize tutoring, literacy development, and homework help, which improve school readiness and student achievement, particularly in underserved communities.

🏫 Attendance & Engagement

By creating welcoming and consistent afterschool environments, these programs boost regular attendance and promote positive attitudes toward school, reducing chronic absenteeism and disengagement.

🧠 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Many United Way OST initiatives integrate SEL components such as mentoring, emotional support, and behavioral coaching, which help students develop resilience, empathy, and teamwork skills.

🎓 College & Career Readiness

United Way invests in programs that expose youth to college pathways, job shadowing, and career exploration, ensuring students are prepared to transition successfully into higher education or the workforce.

Sources: United Way Worldwide and local United Way affiliates

Metro

United Way plays a convener role in OST across many regions. In cities like Houston, Indianapolis, and the Bay Area, United Way helps manage OST networks, fund providers, and lead data-sharing efforts.

Rural

In rural areas, United Way chapters may be key funders and infrastructure builders. They often support multi-county OST efforts or collaborate with libraries and school districts.

Federal Funding

While not a direct recipient of large-scale federal grants, United Ways often help administer federal funding at the local level (e.g., ESSER, 21st CCLC) through partnerships with schools or municipalities.

State Funding

Local United Ways may receive state-level grants or co-invest with public agencies in OST-related initiatives such as literacy, youth violence prevention, and summer learning.

All Funding Sources

  • Private donor campaigns
  • Corporate partnerships (e.g., P&G, Wells Fargo)
  • Local government grants and pooled funding
  • Fee-for-service and philanthropic funding

Family Involvement

Families can contact their local United Way for OST referral resources and scholarship info. Many manage program directories and hotline services.

Partner Involvement

Join your local United Way's education initiatives or funding collaboratives. National and regional chapters often issue RFPs or form strategic planning partnerships.

United Way Afterschool Resources

Related United Way MindWorks Pages

See the following MindWorks pages for information from similar or neighboring states and organizations that may be relevant to United Way.

States

  • Maryland – United Way of Central Maryland funds afterschool and family engagement initiatives statewide.
  • Illinois – Supports OST coalitions through Chicago-area and regional United Way chapters.
  • New York – Strong presence of United Way programs funding and evaluating OST impact across the state.
  • Florida – Local United Ways are active OST funders, especially in academic recovery and SEL.
  • Texas – United Way agencies fund and operate OST programs with measurable impact in multiple regions.

Organizations

  • Communities In Schools – Often co-funded with United Way to provide integrated academic and enrichment support.
  • YMCA – Collaborates with United Way on OST access, wellness, and school-day alignment.
  • Afterschool Alliance – Partners with United Way on research and messaging around OST impact and funding needs.