Making the Case for Afterschool Programs

The lack of high-quality afterschool programs contributes to significant economic losses, increased juvenile crime, and unmet needs for working families. These programs are essential for community well-being, reducing crime, and improving academic outcomes, with an estimated $122 billion lost annually due to their insufficiency. To address this, city leaders should invest in accessible, high-quality afterschool initiatives that are cost-effective compared to alternatives like incarceration and widely supported across the political spectrum.