Beyond the School Day: Starting a Conversation About Afterschool in New Hampshire

When the school day ends, a different kind of learning begins.

For a young person, that might mean building a robot, practicing a new skill, playing outside, or spending time with friends. It might be a conversation with a caring adult who knows their name and asks how their day went.

For a parent or caregiver, afterschool can mean knowing their child is safe and engaged while they finish the workday.

These everyday experiences are at the heart of afterschool—and they are why the New Hampshire Afterschool Network is starting this blog.

Why start this conversation?

Across New Hampshire, educators, youth workers, and community partners create opportunities for children and teens beyond the school day. There are stories worth sharing: creative programs, strong partnerships, dedicated staff, and young people discovering what they love.

There are also questions worth exploring. Can families find programs that fit their needs? Can children get there? What helps programs stay strong, and what makes it difficult to serve more young people?

The 2025 America After 3PM survey estimates that more than 73,000 New Hampshire children are not participating in an afterschool program even though their parents want them to attend. Explore the New Hampshire findings.

That finding gives us a reason to listen more closely. Behind the statewide estimate are families with different schedules, communities with different resources, and programs working to meet local needs.

What you’ll find here

In the coming months, we’ll share stories from New Hampshire’s afterschool community and explore what access looks like for children, teens, and families.

We’ll highlight ideas that are working, introduce the people who make programs possible, and share research in ways that connect to everyday experience. We’ll also look at the practical questions—such as staffing, transportation, and affordability—that shape opportunities beyond the school day.

We’ll take these topics one at a time, with room to learn from each other.

Help shape the conversation

Whether you’re a parent, program professional, educator, or community partner, your perspective matters.

What is one thing you wish more people understood about afterschool in your community?

It could be something your program does well, a challenge your family has faced, or an opportunity you would like more young people to have.

Share your thoughts with the New Hampshire Afterschool Network at stainter@seresc.net. We’ll ask your permission before sharing your story publicly.

We look forward to learning with you and sharing what makes afterschool matter across New Hampshire.