Overview
- The Afterschool Alliance’s 2025 America After 3PM report estimates parents want programs for about 30 million children, while only 7 million are enrolled.
- In Maryland, roughly three-quarters of interested families report being unable to find or afford care, with about 145,000 children enrolled statewide.
- Parents identify cost and transportation or safety as leading barriers, with an average paid program costing $145.80 per week and many reporting limited local availability.
- Funding pressures persist as the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers program serves 1.4 million students but has lost about $138 million in inflation-adjusted support over three years, and some funds were briefly rescinded this summer before being restored.
- Parents and officials cite academic and employment benefits from participation, and advocates urge school–community partnerships and expanded state and federal support to grow capacity.