Wisconsin Afterschool Programs

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Afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs in Wisconsin serve over 121,000 students annually, providing essential support for working families and enriching learning opportunities for youth. Despite this reach, approximately one in five children in the state remain unsupervised after school, 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 Wisconsin's OST landscape, offering academic enrichment and youth development activities to students, particularly those from high-poverty and low-performing schools.

Wisconsin'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.

Wisconsin Afterschool Impact

Afterschool programs in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin's youth.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Participants in Wisconsin'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, Wisconsin'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 Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Metro

Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Racine have established OST networks. Programs are operated by nonprofits, CBOs, and school-community collaboratives.

Rural

Rural programs are delivered by libraries, 4-H, and shared school facilities. Cooperative Education Service Agencies (CESAs) assist with staffing and grants.

Federal Funding

Wisconsin’s 21st CCLC program is managed by the Department of Public Instruction and supports programming for high-poverty schools statewide.

State Funding

While Wisconsin lacks a dedicated state OST line item, state agencies support OST through grants for mental health, summer learning, and workforce readiness. ARPA and ESSER funds also expanded OST in recent years.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC (federal)
  • ESSER and ARPA one-time funds
  • Local youth and workforce grants
  • Philanthropy: Greater Milwaukee Foundation, United Way
  • Participant fees (with subsidies)

Family Involvement

Families should ask their school or library about local options. OST directories and YMCA networks provide listings.

Partner Involvement

Apply via DPI or partner with local grantees. The Wisconsin Afterschool Network supports capacity-building and cross-sector partnerships.

Wisconsin Afterschool Resources

Related Wisconsin MindWorks Pages

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

States

  • Minnesota – Regional leader in OST with shared goals around equity, SEL, and rural outreach.
  • Illinois – Common focus on urban-rural OST gaps and regional nonprofit-led enrichment initiatives.
  • Iowa – Peer in midwestern OST strategy with similar state-university partnerships.
  • Michigan – Shares afterschool quality improvement efforts and large-scale community partnerships.
  • Indiana – Overlapping OST policy and rural programming concerns make it a natural comparison point.

Organizations

  • 4-H – Widely implemented through UW-Extension with STEM, agriculture, and leadership OST components.
  • United Way – Funds local OST enrichment across Wisconsin’s cities and rural communities.
  • Afterschool Alliance – Features Wisconsin OST data and programs in national reports and advocacy efforts.