OP/ED: Why You Should Care About Afterschool in New Hampshire

By Lynn Stanley, The New Hampshire Afterschool Network

Chris and Terry are a married couple raising their son, Tom (not their real names). Both parents are working full-time to pay the bills. Tom has just started seventh grade at an area middle school.  At an afterschool program, he is able to get help during structured homework time and enjoy other clubs and activities with peers under adult supervision. Perhaps just as importantly, Chris and Terry are able to continue working without having to watch the clock or call home during the last hours of the workday, checking to make sure Tom is safe.  
Parents know why high-quality afterschool programs are important. Employers know their employees are more productive when they are not worried about children being home alone. Health professionals know that children in afterschool programs are getting the physical activity, healthy snacks, and positive peer interactions they need to be mentally and physically well. Law enforcement knows that youth involved in afterschool programs are participating in constructive activities and safe from being the victims of crime. Real estate agents know that families looking to move into a new town will see the value added to a community that provides high-quality afterschool programs.

High-quality afterschool programs are more than just fun and safe. They provide children the opportunity to take on new and progressively challenging projects, get support from nurturing adults, improve peer interactions, and engage in their own learning.

Out of school time is not just a matter for parents and families; before school, afterschool and summer programs contribute to building stronger communities.

In New Hampshire, one-third of all children not enrolled in an afterschool program would like to participate, if an afterschool program was available and affordable in their community. The Afterschool Alliance reports one in four children goes home alone unsupervised after school and parents lose an average of eight days a year due to lack of child care. Educators know about the importance of high-quality afterschool programs. Children and youth who attend afterschool programs have better school attendance, better behavior in school, and improve their academic outcomes.

High-tech companies are actively supporting afterschool programs as a way to develop our future workforce. Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are vital areas of knowledge that afterschool programs are vigorously addressing. Smaller group sizes and extended periods of time allow for youth to fully explore these worlds. Youth who are actively engaged in afterschool programs with these areas of learning are more likely to pursue these fields in their post secondary education and future careers.

New Hampshire is one of the country’s forerunners in expanded learning for high school students. Students have the ability to receive credit for academic competencies obtained during out of school experiences. This student-directed, teacher-guided learning allows youth to gain knowledge in new and exciting ways outside of the classroom.

Lights On Afterschool, a national annual event celebrating the importance of afterschool for all youth, will be held throughout the month of October. The New Hampshire Afterschool Network can help you find ways to assist and be supportive to the afterschool programs in New Hampshire and in your community.

Lynn Stanley represents The New Hampshire Afterschool Network and lives in Penacook.