THE AFTERSCHOOL ALLIANCE

Afterschool programs are critical to children and families today, and that the need for programs is not adequately addressed. In communities today, 14.3 million children take care of themselves after the school day ends, including almost four million middle school students in grades six to eight. Just 6.5 million children are in afterschool programs - but the parents of another 15.3 million children say their children would participate in afterschool - if a program were available.

Creating more afterschool programs, increasing program quality and moving toward long-term sustainability requires building strong public will in support of afterschool. The After School Alliance was created to conduct this public awareness and advocacy work and to serve as a national voice for afterschool. For more information or to start a program in your community, please visit The AfterSchool Alliance.

FUNPLAYDATES AND THE AFTERSCHOOL INITIATIVE

We know that Educators and Activity Directors need help when it comes to expanding after school opportunities for kids. Our mission is to help children explore their creative gifts, learn to recycle materials, and to be fully engaged in comprehensive, structured, themed play activities that are easily supervised and enrich the afterschool life of kids.