After School

More than two decades of research confirms that children and youth who participate in after-school and summer programs can reap many benefits including increased academic achievement, better school attendance, fewer disciplinary actions, reduction in risky behaviors, and improved health and wellness.

PCL’s goal in the after school program area is to provide safe and constructive after-school and summer programming that supports children’s well-being and school success. Drawing on community recommendations, local data and research, PCL adopted the following programmatic strategies to work toward this goal:

Priorities for 2024-25 funding round

1. Provide activities for youth such as arts, sports, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education, and/or youth recreation.
2. Provide hard and soft skill-building, career readiness and internship opportunities for youth.
3. Provide academic support including tutoring and homework assistance.
4. Support healthy social and emotional development, including activities to help youth build healthy peer relationships, reduce feelings of isolation, and learn healthy strategies to manage stress and navigate conflict.
5. Provide activities for youth with disabilities, neurodivergence or developmental delays including arts, sports, STEM education and/or youth recreation.

Priorities for current grants

1. Provide intensive academic support and tutoring that includes attention to individual student needs, and staff who act as a liaison between schools, students and caregivers. 
2. Support healthy relationship building, positive behavior and social emotional skill development. 
3. Provide engaging enrichment opportunities attractive to children and youth including recreation, sports, physical activities, arts (fine, performing, music, expressive writing), STEM and culturally focused programs. 

View the list of current grants.

PCL publishes annual performance reports on funded programs each year.