Why Out-of-School Arts Programs Are Essential for Our Kids—and How You Can Help Protect Them
- FHMD
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
By Future Hearts, Minds & Dreamers
When we talk about education, we usually think of what happens inside the classroom between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. But here’s a powerful fact: kids spend up to 80% of their waking hours outside of school—that’s 17 to 18 hours every day where learning, growth, and development are still happening.
What fills that time matters. And for millions of young people—especially those from low-income communities—out-of-school time (OST) programs that include arts education are a lifeline. These programs offer more than just something to do after school. They provide a safe space, meaningful relationships, hands-on learning, and an outlet for creativity and self-expression that can inspire futures.
At Future Hearts, Minds & Dreamers, we’ve seen firsthand how arts-based OST programs change lives. But now, those very opportunities are under threat.
The Power of OST Arts Programs
Out-of-school time art education includes after-school classes, weekend workshops, and summer programs that connect youth with music, dance, visual arts, theater, and creative media. Here’s why they’re essential:
They Boost Academic Success
Students involved in arts-rich OST programs are:
4x more likely to be recognized for academic achievement,
2x more likely to graduate from college,
More engaged in school with higher test scores and better attendance.
They Keep Kids Safe and Off the Streets
Between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., youth are most at risk for getting into trouble. OST programs:
Provide structure and supervision,
Decrease risky behavior, violence, and drug use,
Increase participation in school leadership and civic activities.
They Spark Inspiration and Expand Futures
For many students, the arts are where they discover what lights them up. Whether it’s dancing, painting, producing music, or acting on stage, creative programs:
Help students envision new possibilities for themselves,
Encourage goal-setting and self-discipline,
Open doors to careers in the arts, media, design, and more.
They Build Confidence, Voice, and Identity
In OST arts programs, students learn to:
Express themselves safely and authentically,
Navigate emotions and build social skills,
Explore their cultural identities and share their lived experiences.
They Strengthen Community and Connection
These programs often partner with local artists, organizations, and teaching professionals, offering:
Real-world mentorship,
Exposure to diverse artistic traditions,
A deepened sense of belonging and community pride.
What’s at Stake
At Future Hearts, Minds & Dreamers, 75% of the classes we book for teaching artists are funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant. This federal program makes it possible for us to bring free and low-cost arts education to the students who need it most—and it provides steady work for dozens of talented teaching artists. But last week, the proposed federal education budget called for eliminating this funding. That would slash nearly 70% of current support for afterschool and summer programs across the U.S. and effectively wipe out the 21st CCLC as we know it. This is more than a budget cut—it’s lost jobs, closed doors, and a blow to the futures of over 1.4 million students nationwide.
What You Can Do
We have a chance to stop this, but we need your voice.
Tell Congress: Protect 21st CCLC funding.
Stand up for afterschool and summer programs.
Stand up for creativity, equity, and opportunity.
Click here to write your representatives now: Save Afterschool Programs
The Bottom Line
Out-of-school arts programs aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re vital to the academic, emotional, and social development of young people—especially those who might not otherwise have access to the arts. They keep kids safe, unlock potential, and build futures rooted in creativity, resilience, and joy. Let’s make sure every child has the opportunity to discover who they are—and who they can become—outside the classroom.
Together, we can protect and expand these life-changing programs.
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