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Investing in Wisconsin’s Young People—Today and for Life

Children represent our greatest hope and our strongest future. Childhood is a critical window that shapes not only social, emotional, and physical health, but also long-term educational and economic outcomes. At the Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance, we believe every child deserves to be valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

As youth workers, families, and community partners, we share a collective responsibility: to nurture environments that inspire confidence, build resilience, and unlock potential in every young person.

The Power of Out-of-School Time
Children’s Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the joy of childhood—but also to recognize the essential role that out-of-school time (OST) programs play in helping children grow and succeed.

Decades of research, including a 26-year longitudinal study led by Dr. Deborah Vandell, show that participation in afterschool and summer programs has lasting, life-changing benefits. Young people who engage in these programs are more likely to succeed not only in school, but throughout adulthood. They become stronger learners, earn higher incomes, pursue higher education, and are more actively engaged in their communities. (Read more about the Vandell study.)

These findings affirm what we see every day across Wisconsin: high-quality afterschool programs foster academic success, social-emotional development, and a sense of belonging that carries forward into adulthood.

A Month to Educate, Support, and Celebrate
During Children’s Awareness Month, we call on communities across Wisconsin to:

• Support access to high-quality out-of-school time programs for every child
• Invest in youth development professionals who guide and mentor young people
• Prioritize children’s well-being, including their mental, emotional, and physical health
• Celebrate the strengths and potential of all youth

By nurturing the whole child, we strengthen not just individual futures—but the well-being and vitality of our entire state.

A Shared Commitment
This Children’s Awareness Month, let us unite in our commitment to Wisconsin’s children. Together, we can ensure that every young person has the opportunity to build confidence, discover their passions, and develop the skills they need to succeed in school, career, and life.

Because when we invest in children—during school, after school, and beyond—we are investing in a brighter, stronger future for all.