Many afterschool programs have difficulty in recruiting and retaining students, especially those in middle and high school. Challenges exist for a variety of reasons including a lack of student interest, transportation, prior family obligations, a need for paid employment and a preference to spend time with friends in a leisurely and less structured environment.

Suggestions for overcoming challenges:

  • Recruit students (especially in middle school) in pairs or in groups.
  • Direct contact with students and parents in addition to advertising posters or flyers.
  • Solicit parent and school support during the recruitment process.
  • Hire well-educated staff who have demonstrated an ability to connect easily with students, especially those identified as “at-risk.”
  • Offer quality and interactive programs that link youth to real-world experiences.
  • Offer youth voice and choice to attract interest.
  • Offer accessible locations, if possible.
  • Uncover other barriers, such as transportation, and partner with others in the community to offer creative solutions or alternatives.

Reach out to your technical assistance provider to discuss ideas and possible solutions.

The resources provided deal with programming in general and certain practices may not be applicable to 21st CCLC. If you are unsure if a recommended practice is permissible, please contact your program officer at the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Attendance Works

Middle School Students and Out-of-School Time: Barriers to Participation and Strategies for Recruitment and Retention

Recruiting and Retaining High School Students (Y4Y)

The Power of Positive Connections – Reducing Chronic Absence through PEOPLE: Priority Early Outreach for Positive Linkages and Engagement