New Findings Reveal Black Kids Are Least Likely To Be Accepted Into After School Programs

A stage in a Northeast England school showcases two teenage students rehearsing as their teacher offers them valuable performance advice. According to a recent study, almost two-thirds of Black children are excluded from essential afterschool programs, which specialists believe enhance social skills and academic success.Despite significant backing for increased funding, approximately 75% of K-12 students whose parents wish to enroll them lack access to afterschool offerings. The Afterschool Alliance's survey revealed a pressing “unmet demand” nationwide.The study highlights cost, availability, and accessibility as major barriers impacting participation levels among Black children, with the percentage of families citing financial constraints rising from 43% to 56% between 2014 and 2025.Wealthier families invest nine times more in extracurricular activities compared to those from lower-income backgrounds. To bridge the growing gaps in participation, the study advocates for enhanced funding at all governmental and private levels while emphasizing the necessity for all children to have equal access to afterschool opportunities.