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Advocacy Overview

WOSTA champions out-of-school time (OST) learning, serving as Wisconsin’s voice in Madison and Washington, DC. We advocate for legislative initiatives to expand affordable access to high-quality afterschool and summer programs. Through our outreach efforts, we ensure that policymakers recognize the value of OST programs for Wisconsin’s youth, families, and employers. 

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Wisconsin Partnership for Children and Youth

Wisconsin Silhouette with children The Wisconsin Partnership for Children and Youth is a new statewide coalition uniting individuals dedicated to supporting out-of-school time (OST) programs. Managed by the Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance (WOSTA), we facilitate discussions, advocate for beneficial policies, and secure resources for afterschool and summer programs.

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Program Spotlight

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Advocacy Resources

Kids by a wall

 Anyone can be a champion for afterschool and summer learning programs, but as a program leader, parent or youth ambassador, you’re especially well placed to make the case for the benefits of out-of-school time programming. Advocating for afterschool is an important way to raise awareness for your program and the opportunities and benefits they provide to youth and to the community. Use the messages and materials in the guide to identify and connect with families, decisionmakers, stakeholders and youth—and turn them into afterschool champions, too.
Learners Earners Leaders 

Afterschool Benefits Kids for Life

This study follows a large sample of young people over 26 years to understand how various environments—including families, early education, schools, neighborhoods, and afterschool programs—affect educational, health, and career outcomes. The new data shows, for the first time, outcomes for young adults, and affirms that benefits endure into adulthood. The findings are clear: kids who participate in afterschool are stronger learners, earners, and leaders. Read more here.

Girl with microscope

 At a time when few issues generate widespread public support, voters are united in support of afterschool programs for young people. A new poll finds that voters nationwide, across all political affiliations, races, ethnicities, and ages, value afterschool programs and want more funding invested in these opportunities for children. The poll findings likely reflect key concerns in our country today: the economy and the well-being of young people. Afterschool programs help working families stay employed and inspire young people to learn and grow. Voters agree afterschool programs are needed now more than ever. Read more here.

Boy and Girl doing STEM

 Studies have shown that students regularly participating in quality afterschool programs attend school more often, are more engaged in school, get better grades, and are more likely to be promoted to the next grade. A 2021 evaluation of Wisconsin’s 21st CCLC programs by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction found that students attending programs saw gains. According to teacher surveys, of students who needed to improve, more than 3 in 5 (62%) improved their classroom participation, and more than half (54%) improved their behavior in the classroom. Read This is Afterschool in Wisconsin and view the corresponding Fact Sheet (2024).

Two women talking

 When advocating for afterschool, it's important to know what to say and how to say it. This section includes talking points and facts, as well as some basic outreach strategies that will help you get your message out to policy-makers and the public. Read Making the Case for Afterschool and Easy Outreach Strategies from the Afterschool Alliance for helpful tips. Access this Elevator Speech Tip Sheet for more information.

Collage of pictures of kids

 In Wisconsin, unmet demand for afterschool programs has reached an all-time high, with more than 267,000 children who would be enrolled in a program if one were available to them. Demand for afterschool in Wisconsin surges as parents see key benefits from afterschool, including keeping kids safe, helping them learn and grow, and providing peace of mind for working families. As families face barriers to participation, such as cost and accessibility, there is strong support behind public funding for afterschool programs in the state. View Wisconsin After 3PM from the Afterschool Alliance.
Adult helping a child  Addressing Mental Well-Being through Afterschool Programs. Afterschool and summer programs play an important role in supporting the healthy development of young people and are all the more critical today. Access the one-pager for more information.
Kids working at a table Chronic absenteeism is a critical issue in education today, with both immediate and long-term impacts on student success and a disproportionate effect on historically marginalized students. A new issue brief from Afterschool Alliance, “Addressing Chronic Absenteeism: How Afterschool Programs are Building School-Day Engagement and Improving Attendance," explores how afterschool programs support school-day attendance and engagement by promoting youth voice, creating a culture of care through supportive adults and mentors, and helping young people explore their passions and talents.