Celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week!

WOSTA is thrilled to join the National AfterSchool Association in celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week from April 21-25, 2025. This special week is dedicated to recognizing, appreciating, and advocating for the incredible individuals who work with young people during out-of-school hours.

Why Celebrate Afterschool Professionals?

Research highlights that skilled and knowledgeable program staff are the backbone of program quality and are crucial to achieving positive youth outcomes. An estimated 7.8 million children participate in afterschool programs each year, yet for every child in a program, two more are waiting to get in. Every young person deserves quality afterschool experiences that positively impact their development, and it takes skilled professionals to create these experiences. Because of the vital role afterschool professionals play in kids’ lives, they deserve recognition and support!

What is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week?

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is a time to:

• Recognize the dedication and hard work of afterschool professionals.
• Appreciate their contributions to the development and well-being of young people.
• Advocate for job quality and support for these essential professionals.

The week is marked by celebrations, public relations, and advocacy efforts encouraging appreciation and support for afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of young people.

Who is an Afterschool Professional?

Afterschool Professionals are skilled individuals who work with children and youth in diverse school and community-based settings. They provide various positive developmental relationships and experiences during out-of-school hours. Currently, in the US, an estimated 850,000 individuals are practicing members of the afterschool profession.

Join Us in Celebrating!

We invite everyone to join us this week in celebrating afterschool professionals and to continue advocating for job quality in support of these essential professionals throughout the year.

For more information about Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, visit the National AfterSchool Association and check out our social media to see staff and program highlights all week. You can also share the love by tagging your own posts with #HeartofAfterschool.

Let's come together to honor the heart of afterschool programs and the dedicated professionals who make a lasting impact on young lives!