Vermont Afterschool Programs

Milo the fox in a green vest and jeans, pointing toward a Vermont map with icons of a maple leaf, cows, and schoolhouses.
Milo the fox in a green vest and jeans, pointing toward a Vermont map with icons of a maple leaf, cows, and schoolhouses.

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

Vermont'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.

Vermont Afterschool Impact

Afterschool programs in Vermont 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 Vermont's youth.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Participants in Vermont'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, Vermont'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 Vermont Agency of Education

Metro

Burlington and Montpelier have collaborative OST programs led by schools, nonprofits, and municipalities. Programs align with mental health, climate justice, and equity goals.

Rural

Most OST programs in Vermont are rural. Schools and libraries serve as central hubs, with services expanded by AmeriCorps and regional collaborations.

Federal Funding

The Vermont Agency of Education oversees 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), supporting academic and enrichment programming in high-poverty schools.

State Funding

Vermont funds OST through the Vermont Afterschool Expansion Grants and other general fund appropriations. The state legislature and governor have prioritized afterschool access for all youth by 2030.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC (federal)
  • State OST grants (VT Afterschool)
  • ESSER and ARPA recovery funds
  • United Way and Vermont Children’s Trust
  • Local match and sliding scale fees

Family Involvement

Ask your school or town about OST services. Most programs are free or low cost and include snacks, transportation, and enrichment.

Partner Involvement

Apply through Vermont Afterschool or the Agency of Education. Join statewide coalitions to expand rural and equity-focused programming.

Vermont Afterschool Resources

Related Vermont MindWorks Pages

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

States

  • New Hampshire – Adjacent state with similar rural OST access goals and community engagement strategies.
  • Maine – Shares rural and small-town OST delivery challenges and state-supported enrichment models.
  • Massachusetts – Regional policy and professional development leader supporting Vermont’s OST strategies.
  • Rhode Island – Comparable scale and emphasis on quality, SEL, and community-based enrichment.
  • Connecticut – Shared policy goals around youth access and OST enrichment in the Northeast corridor.

Organizations

  • 4-H – UVM Extension delivers statewide OST through rural 4-H clubs and community partnerships.
  • Afterschool Alliance – Supports Vermont’s policy efforts, data use, and visibility in rural OST advocacy.
  • YMCA – Provides localized OST programs in Vermont with wellness, SEL, and academic support components.