The United States federal government supports a variety of after school programs for students via the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant program. These programs provide an after school learning environment for children who live in high poverty areas and/or go to schools that perform at a substandard level. Funds are made available directly to communities through state and local education agencies. After school programs may use these federal government funds to create and maintain programs that include activities such as reading enrichment, the arts, remedial education, math and science, tutoring, technology education, or even counseling services. Parents should consult individual schools and state guidelines to determine their child's eligibility for program participation.
Extended day programs typically provide after school care to children directly within the school facility. These programs may require the parents to make some sort of payment, but are also funded by federal, state, and local dollars. Examples of programs that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration of Children and Families consider to be extended day services include the Colorado Out-of-School Time Care Program, which provides low income students with quality care via State Department of Education funds, Hawaii's After School Plus Program that serves 190 elementary schools, Illinois's state and federally funded Bridges for Learning program, Indiana's Safe Haven Education Program, and New Jersey's Family Friendly Centers Initiative. Other states offer similar extended day after school care programs. Parents interested in finding out more information about programs in their state can consult the state-by-state list at the Administration for Children and Families website.
Some specific cities and school districts provide after school programs and care for resident students. These programs are typically created and funded by local city governments. Additionally, federal and state grants or funds may be used to offset costs. One example of a city run after school program is the Providence After School Alliance in Providence, Rhode Island. This city initiative offers Afterzones, which are free after school programs that are open to all middle school students at a variety of school campuses. Students can choose from arts and crafts activities, academic and tutoring programs, sports, and other post-school interests Monday through Thursday until 5:15 PM. Other cities offering after school programs include the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation; the San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services; and many more. Interested parents can consult their city government's website for more information.