Oklahoma Afterschool Programs Boost 75% of Students' Grades

Oklahoma students are proving that afterschool programs work, and they're heading to the state capitol to make sure lawmakers know it.

At the Opp Project in Tulsa, 86% of students say they've discovered new strengths through robotics, debate, and team activities. Three out of four participants report doing better in school, and attendance rates have jumped among kids in the program.

The timing matters more than ever. Oklahoma earned a D on its latest School Report Card and ranked second worst nationally for education quality. But while 26 other states have committed funding to afterschool programs, Oklahoma hasn't yet made that investment.

These aren't just daycare programs. Students get hands-on learning experiences, explore potential careers, and receive extra help with homework and core subjects. Afterschool educators partner with classroom teachers to align lessons with state standards and track student progress.

The results speak for themselves. Research shows participants attend school more often, earn better grades, and graduate at higher rates. Teachers report that students in afterschool programs show more enthusiasm for learning and improved classroom behavior.

Parents see the impact too. Eight in ten Oklahoma parents say afterschool programs help working parents keep their jobs, while nine in ten report being more productive at work. When parents lack reliable afterschool care, it costs U.S. businesses up to $300 billion annually in lost productivity.

Right now, more than 290,000 Oklahoma students can't access afterschool programs because they're too expensive or unavailable. That's four out of five kids missing out on opportunities that could change their educational trajectory.

The Ripple Effect

The support crosses party lines in remarkable fashion. Ninety percent of Oklahoma parents back public funding for afterschool programs, including 91% of Republicans, 96% of Democrats, and 91% of independents.

On March 10, students, teachers, and program providers from across Oklahoma will gather at the state capitol. They're bringing their personal stories about what afterschool means to them and why these programs matter for their families and communities.

Tristy Fryer, who directs out-of-school-time initiatives for the Oklahoma Partnership for Extended Learning, sees this as Oklahoma's moment to invest in solutions that actually work.

Every Oklahoma child who wants to participate in an afterschool program should have that chance.