Empowering Afterschool Professionals for Digital Learning

The National AfterSchool Association released of a research report that explores how to empower afterschool professionals to ensure that all students—especially those in underserved communities—have equitable access to high-quality digital learning opportunities outside of school hours. The research review, developed by Policy Studies Associates in Washington, D.C., takes a close look at the experiences of the 10 million elementary, middle and high school students who participate in afterschool programs in school- and community-based settings. It reports that afterschool professionals play an especially important role in supporting learning for low-income students: consistent participation in high-quality afterschool has been shown to eliminate gaps in achievement based on income. The report also states that with the right professional development, afterschool professionals can help students actively navigate the technology to create deep learning experiences and develop digital citizenship and responsibility in a safe, facilitated setting. Download the report.