Afterschool Networks: The Basics

State Afterschool Networks are state-level intermediaries that bring together a wide range of partners from youth development, out-of-school time, education, workforce, state government, community-based organizations, and others to ensure that all kids have access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs. Currently, 50 states have statewide afterschool networks.

Each Network is Centered Around Three Goals:

• Create a sustainable structure of statewide, regional, and local partnerships—particularly school-community partnerships—focused on supporting afterschool policy development at all levels.
• Support the development and growth of statewide policies that will secure the resources needed to sustain new and existing afterschool programs.
• Support statewide systems to ensure programs are of high quality.

What Information Can My Afterschool Network Provide:

• Find your state afterschool network’s website for information on the state network’s priorities as well as information such as afterschool (and sometimes summer) opportunities in your state, trainings and resources,, funding opportunities for direct service programs, and more.
• Some afterschool networks offer opportunities to volunteer or post job opportunities for local afterschool programs.
• Others share information on program quality and which programs are available in which communities.