Omaha Faces a Shortfall in After-School Programs as Demand Surges
Omaha is grappling with a significant gap in after-school program availability, as a new survey highlights a pressing demand that local authorities and nonprofits are eager to address. The findings point to a substantial number of children unable to participate in these programs despite parental interest.
A survey conducted by the Afterschool Alliance and Collective for Youth collected responses from 444 households in Omaha, covering 670 children, to assess the current landscape of after-school programs. The data revealed that approximately 75% of children in Omaha lack access to such programs, even though their guardians wish to enroll them.
“Families want more spots, more access and more support, especially as national resources, particularly for middle school programs, continue to decline,” stated Megan Addison, the executive director of Collective for Youth.
The survey results were shared by Addison during a press conference with Mayor John Ewing and members of the Omaha City Council.
The unmet demand translates to 38,409 children whose parents desire after-school program enrollment but currently find no available options. Addressing this shortfall will necessitate strategic investments, starting with a comprehensive understanding of existing needs.
“I’ve been running Collective for Youth now for 18 years, and we’ve never had a survey done to really just get the lay of the land across Omaha,” Addison remarked. “We’re very familiar with what’s happening in Omaha Public Schools and with our partners and what their needs are, but we just didn’t have a good pulse on what’s going on beyond that scope.”
Mayor Ewing, drawing from his law enforcement background, emphasized the importance of safe after-school alternatives, particularly during the hours of 3-6 p.m. when children might otherwise be unsupervised.
“By doing that, we help keep our community safe, because it’s really about prevention and keeping young people engaged in positive activities versus them getting involved in criminal activity,” Ewing explained.
The study also highlighted that 88% of parents with children in after-school programs found it allowed them to work longer hours, with 79% reporting increased productivity. Importantly, around 90% of Omaha parents believe that all young people should have access to quality after-school and summer programs, and 92% support public funding for these initiatives.
“We want to keep them stay connected to their community, so that they give back. And that’s one thing that after school provides,” Addison noted. “It helps that connection with them in the places where they live.”
