About Expanded Learning
Expanded learning adds time for learning and enrichment that complements the school day. It incorporates learning that is hands-on, engaging and helps children and youth gain the skills and knowledge they need for success in school and life.
High quality expanded learning builds on school-community partnerships, engages families to participate in their children's learning, and links to meals and supports for physical and mental well-being.
These opportunities work best when they utilize financial models that are affordable, scalable and sustainable.
Key Information
High quality expanded learning opportunities for students incorporate the following key principles:
- School-community partnerships—building upon strong collaboration between communities and schools
- Engaged learning—incorporating learning that is hands-on and engaging
- Affordability and scalability—utilizing financial models that are affordable, scalable and sustainable
- Learning time afterschool and during the summer—adding significant time for learning and enrichment that complements the school day
- Family engagement—engaging families to participate in their children's learning
- Health and wellness—linking to meals and providing opportunities and supports for physical and mental well-being
Strategies to Support Expanded Learning
- Attend the Web event featuring new research and a discussion on the future of expanded learning and afterschool
- Become a supporter of the Expanded Learning and Afterschool Project.
- Get involved with supporting expanded learning and afterschool in your city.
General Publications
A groundbreaking compendium of studies, reports and commentaries by more than 100 thought leaders including community leaders, elected officials, educators, researchers, advocates and other prominent authors.
A resource list developed by The Finance Project to provide policymakers, school and nonprofit leaders and afterschool providers with a select list of research that supports Expanded Learning and Extended Learning Time.
Expanded Learning Opportunities can provide parents with approachable entry points to schools and their child’s education.
Network Publications
A policy brief arguing that high-quality global learning in afterschool programs and expanded learning Opportunities is critical to youth success and offers policy recommendations in New York.
Tools
All learning settings need to be engaged in the effort to prepare our children for success in a global 21st century.