Essential Infrastructure for Michigan’s Future

Michigan’s out-of-school time (OST) sector is a diverse network of youth development organizations that support young people beyond the traditional school day—before and after school, during summers, and throughout the year.

These programs operate in a wide range of settings, including community-based nonprofit organizations, schools, early childhood centers, and faith-based programs, collectively forming a critical part of Michigan’s youth-serving infrastructure.

The sector is grounded in the Michigan Out-of-School Time (MOST) Quality Standards and informed by multiple quality improvement and assessment frameworks, including the National Afterschool Association’s core competencies for youth development professionals. At the heart of this work is a shared commitment to creating safe, supportive environments where young people can discover who they are, experience a genuine sense of belonging, and develop the confidence and agency to shape their own futures.

The need for high-quality OST programming in Michigan is significant—and growing. An estimated three-quarters of a million Michigan youth lack access to the afterschool and summer learning opportunities they need to thrive, underscoring the essential role extended learning time plays for young people and working families alike.

When young people do have access to OST programs, the impact is clear.

  • Approximately half of the youth participating in local OST partnerships improve their math and reading performance.

  • Nearly 70 percent show gains in homework completion and classroom engagement.

  • The benefits extend beyond students: nearly 90 percent of working parents report that community-based afterschool and summer programs help them remain employed, reinforcing the sector’s importance to both educational outcomes and economic stability.

Out-of-school time programs are not a “nice to have”—they are essential infrastructure for Michigan’s future. They support student success, strengthen families, and help employers retain a reliable workforce. With sustained, strategic investment, Michigan can close access gaps, scale what works, and ensure every young person has the opportunity to learn, belong, and thrive—no matter their zip code.