As vitally needed local funding for afterschool programming winds down, nearly 500 students and parents from afterschool programs across Arlington joined elected officials and community leaders at Kenmore Middle School to celebrate afterschool programs. They rallied for a call to action for continued and dedicated funding to provide high-quality afterschool programming for Arlington’s most vulnerable young people.
“Afterschool programs have always been important as places where children can reinforce classroom instruction, learn new skills, and make friends," said Rev. Alice Tewell, a mother of two and pastor of Clarendon Presbyterian Church. "Today, they are more important than ever as safe spaces in communities traumatized by detentions and growing inequality and as places where kids connect with trusted adults who can support them."
After the tragic deaths of two young students in 2023 from opioid drug overdoses, a coalition of Arlington afterschool programs secured $2 million in one-time funding from the Arlington County Board, which helped expand afterschool programming for Arlington middle and high schoolers. That grant will come to a close at the end of FY27, and afterschool students and leaders are seeking new ways to build upon the success of that pilot program.
This event, hosted by Aspire Afterschool Learning, ASHPA – Arlington Schools Hispanic Parents Association, Arlington Bridge Building-Bridge Kids, Camp Sarraka, CARE, CYFA- Center for Youth & Family Advocacy, Edu-Futuro and VOICE, highlighted the positive impact that expanded services are having in the community. From 2023-2024 drug overdoses declined by 27% and fatal overdoses decreased by 55%, according to the Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative. A WTOP analysis shows that overdose decline continues through 2025.
“This programming is saving lives and securing futures,” said Aspire Afterschool Learning’s CEO Paula Fynboh, a 2026 Afterschool Ambassador. “Afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and give working parents peace of mind.”
Youth leaders from Arlington afterschool programs helped to organize and run the event themselves, with numerous students speaking out in support of the programs, including one of the presenters, a seventh grader at Aspire named El Hadji.
“Every student who wants to participate in afterschool programs should have the opportunity. In my afterschool program I have a safe and supportive place to go where I get homework help, tutoring, and exposure to fun STEM activities and art projects,” said El Hadji. “It’s sad to think that other students like me may not have access to these programs because there just isn’t a space available for them.”
The Afterschool Alliance’s recent America After 3pm report found that parents of 745,577 children in Virginia want afterschool programs, but 4 in 5 children in the state are missing out. Crucial factors preventing them from enrolling are program cost, lack of transportation, and programs not being available in their communities.
A large and powerful body of evidence demonstrates improvements in grades, school attendance, behavior, and more among children who participate in afterschool programs. Researchers have also found that students in afterschool programs are more engaged in school and excited about learning, and they develop work and life skills such as problem solving, teamwork, and communications. But unmet demand for afterschool programs is at an all-time high, particularly among both Latino and Black children, with 65% of Black and 60% of Hispanic children needing a spot according to the America After 3pm report.
Participants in this event included Virginia Delegate Adele McClure, all five Arlington County Board members (Takis Karantonis, JD Spain, Matt de Ferranti, Maureen Coffey, and Susan Cunningham) as well as Arlington Public School Board members Zuraya Tapia-Hadley, Monique Bryant and Kathleen Clark. The Aspire student rock band kept people entertained, and the REC soccer team winners also joined in the rally.