Across the country, states are working to better align education, workforce development, and industry partnerships to create smoother pathways from school to career. Yet one critical piece is often overlooked: afterschool and summer learning programs.
The Role of Afterschool Programs
A 2018 report from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Striving To Be Top Tier for Talent, found that over half of Kentucky employers struggle to find workers with the skills they need. In a globalized economy, businesses are no longer tied to one location—they’re drawn to places with an educated, job-ready workforce.
Afterschool and summer learning programs provide essential supports and services that complements the work of schools—helping young people build the academic, social, and career skills they need to thrive in the future workforce.
As a result, these programs are uniquely positioned to help address several persistent challenges in Kentucky’s education and workforce systems:
- Low academic proficiency rates, including kindergarten readiness, 3rd grade reading, and 8th grade math
- Limited access to work-based learning opportunities for high school students
- Low postsecondary attainment rates, especially among low-income and rural youth
- High rates of incarceration and poor health outcomes
Afterschool programs are more than a place for kids to go. They’re a key strategy in building a stronger, more prepared workforce for Kentucky.