Afterschool and Community Programs

Afterschool and community programs can offer kids opportunities to develop their interests and skills in a more relaxed environment. Learn more about what makes a high-quality program and how organizations — including family literacy programs, tutoring programs and other community-based efforts — can support reading and literacy. Our Tutoring and Volunteering section has information for those interested in giving their time.

Featured partner: National Center for Summer Learning

Featured Video: Afterschool and Community Programs

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Our PBS Series:
Launching Young Readers

Fluent Reading

Find out how to help young readers learn to decode individual words accurately and quickly.

Adventures in Summer Learning

Explore ways to create a literacy-rich summer for kids, including struggling learners.

The Basics

Time to Learn: Benefits of a Longer School Day

Afterschool Achievement: Strengthening Literacy and Other Skills

Effective Out-of-School Time Reading Programs

Home Visiting Program Helps Toddlers Fill Learning Gaps

Steps Community Groups Can Take To Help Every Child Become a Reader

What Community Groups Can Do to Help All Children Read

Engaging Family and Community in Afterschool and Summer Programs

Tips for Reading Tutors

For Parents

Use Summer Fun to Build Background Knowledge

A Guide for Finding a Tutor

From Poor to Soar: Finding the Help Your Child Needs

Rediscover Your Public Library

For Teachers

Checklist for Program Developers: Things to Consider

Volunteers: Identify Your Schools' Needs

Professional Development Webcasts

Listen, watch, and learn from top experts in these engaging roundtable discussions. Each webcast features a 60–minute video as well as recommended readings and suggested discussion questions.

Talking Tutoring

Summer Reading

Making Parents Partners