After-School Programs Play A Vital Role In Youth Mental Health

When the school bell rings at the end of the day, many young people face a gap — not just in time, but in support. For some students, the hours after school can be a time of uncertainty, isolation and even risk. But they can also be an opportunity for connection, learning and growth.  

Today’s young people are navigating an unprecedented array of complex challenges, from balancing academic and social pressures to dealing with the rising rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness. While we recognize that these challenges are complex and deeply interconnected, we must also understand that addressing them requires more than simple solutions. Our approach must be comprehensive to meet the unique and evolving needs of every young person. 

That’s where outside support, such as after-school programs, comes in. 

One example is After-School All-Stars – a member of the Coalition to Empower our Future (CEF). A national nonprofit that provides after-school and summer programs to keep students safe and help them succeed in school and life, the organization offers kids a safe and welcoming environment during the critical hours once school gets out. 

After-School All-Stars provides opportunities for connection, where young people can form friendships and feel a sense of belonging. They help children form trusted relationships with adults who care deeply and who can offer mentorship, support and a listening ear. And they create positive outlets and enrichment activities such as sports, arts, and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs that help to reduce stress and build confidence. 

These programs are more than just a space to spend time after school. They are often a lifeline for young people who may feel overlooked or unsupported in other areas of their lives. According to research from CEF, a very strong majority (about nine-in-10 voters and parents across ten states surveyed) say we could improve youth mental health by making it easier for young people to access mental health care, by creating school environments where young people feel safe and supported, and by equipping parents with the tools and resources they need. After-school programs are one of those vital resources that help ensure every young person has the support they need. 

Supporting youth mental health and wellbeing is not the responsibility of one parent, one teacher or one coach. Everyone – schools, families, community organizations, healthcare providers, and yes, after-school programs – plays an important role. By working together, we can help ensure that every child has not just a place to go after school, but a place to belong, to find support and to thrive. 

WATCH

Video features interviews with Ben Paul, CEO of After-School All-Stars; Andrea Bazán, president of After-School All-Stars; Donny Fa’aliliu, senior vice president of leadership and community outreach at After-School All-Stars; and William Granillo and Keila Olvera, two high school students who are members of After-School All-Stars Los Angeles.

Transcript: 

The mission of After-School All-Stars is to provide comprehensive after-school programs that keep children safe and help them succeed in school and life.

We serve 150,000 students every day in different cities around the United States.

Youth mental health and wellbeing is something that we take very seriously. 

There was a lot of isolation that happened during COVID, and a lot of stressors that our students faced.

Students are struggling with academics. Students just not feeling the self-confidence, the self-esteem.

After-school programs are really critical to students, to families and to communities. First and foremost, for students, they’re empowering, they’re life-changing.

I have been in All-Stars for about two years. It made a very big difference. It helped me communicate more and made me the person that I am right now. 

After-School, All-Stars is like a beautiful experience. It really is a community. You really develop a family here.

It’s really a comprehensive approach. I think the foundation is self-confidence.

Ninety-one percent of families say that after-school programs are very important. That’s why it’s very bipartisan. Republicans love it. Democrats love it. Everyone loves after school. 

We try to give the students the best of the best. 

The mentors here at All-Stars, they literally feel like your friends. They hold a very special place in my heart. 

There’s a lot of support and a lot of love within the community.

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