Since 2004, America After 3PM, a comprehensive national survey from the Afterschool Alliance, has provided critical insights into how children and families experience the hours after school. Based on responses from more than 30,000 U.S. households, including 662 in-depth interviews in Virginia, both the newly released fifth edition of the national report and the Virginia After 3PM 2025 report reveal that unmet demand for afterschool programs remains alarmingly high.
Unmet Demand in Virginia
While parents overwhelmingly value the benefits of these programs – citing safety, skill-building, and academic support – many families are unable to access them due to cost and limited availability. Eighty percent (80%) of Virginia youth are missing out on attending an afterschool program: 745,000 versus 145,486 enrolled in programming!
These findings highlight an urgent need for increased investment to ensure all students have access to quality out-of-school time programs that promote skill-building as well as provide parents with peace of mind and allow them to keep their jobs.
Get the Facts
Virginia Parents Support Afterschool
Support for increased funding for afterschool opportunities has increased and is high regardless of political affiliation, with 93% of parents who are Democrats, 89% who are Independents, and 87% who are Republicans in favor.
“This study is an urgent call to action to Virginia and federal leaders to increase funding and capacity, so all families will be able to access afterschool programs” – Blaire Denson, Executive Director of VPOST.
Continued advocacy with local and national lawmakers from all age groups is crucial in order to close this gap. VPOST’s advocacy guides for both youth and adults can help you craft a compelling story and confidently use your voice to benefit all youth and families in Virginia.
