Before- and afterschool programs provide students with academic enrichment opportunities and activities designed to complement their regular school day's academic program during non-school hours by providing a range of high-quality services to support student learning and development, including tutoring and mentoring, homework help, academic enrichment (such as hands-on math, reading/language arts, and science programs), community service opportunities, as well as music, arts, sports, and cultural activities.

Afterschool programs incorporate a strong partnership of school, family, and community members that collaboratively contribute to the growth of students as they mature into caring, competent, and responsible adults.

The Department receives the following three funding sources for Afterschool programs, which are then made available to the local level through a grant award process: School Age Community (SAC), Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), and Missouri Comprehensive Afterschool Learning (MOCAL). The purpose of and requirements for these two grants vary. Visit the Approved Programs page for a brief explanation of each and to view a list of current grant recipients.

Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families, and inspire students to learn.

Afterschool is key to kids' success!