Utah Gives: Support Afterschool!

Afterschool programs across Utah are more than a place to go after the bell rings—they are launchpads for curiosity, confidence, and connection. During the hours when many youth would otherwise be unsupervised, these programs provide safe, engaging environments where students build academic skills, explore STEM, develop leadership, and form meaningful relationships with caring adults.

The Utah Afterschool Network (UAN) serves as the backbone of this ecosystem, supporting programs in every corner of the state—from rural communities to urban centers. Over the past year, UAN partnered with 175 programs to reach more than 24,000 youth, helping ensure they have access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities. Through coaching, professional development, and research-based quality improvement tools, 95% of supported programs report delivering stronger, more impactful experiences for the youth they serve.

Beyond direct program support, UAN plays a critical leadership role at the state and national levels. In 2025, UAN led coordinated statewide advocacy efforts that helped secure the release of millions of dollars in delayed 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) funding—resources that are essential to sustaining programs for thousands of Utah families. Building on that momentum, UAN also led a successful effort during the 2026 legislative session to increase state investment in afterschool and out-of-school time programs by nearly $3,000,000, strengthening long-term sustainability and expanding access for youth across Utah.

This work is about more than programs—it’s about opportunity. It’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of zip code or background, has a place to feel safe, supported, and inspired. It’s about helping working families stay connected to reliable care while their children gain the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

Your support makes this possible. A gift to the Utah Afterschool Network helps expand access to high-quality programs, strengthen the educators who lead them, and advocate for the resources needed to sustain them. Together, we can continue to open doors for Utah’s youth—creating brighter futures, one afterschool program at a time.