29.6 million U.S. kids want afterschool care, but only 7 million can access it due to cost and availability.

A new study finds 29.6 million U.S. school-age children want access to afterschool programs, but only 7 million are enrolled, with 22.6 million left out due to cost, availability, and accessibility barriers. Despite 95% parent satisfaction among current participants, low- and middle-income families are disproportionately affected, as spending on out-of-school activities has widened to a nine-to-one gap between high- and low-income households. Programs are valued for boosting academic success, mental health, safety, and parental employment. Experts urge expanded federal, state, local, and private investment to close the access gap.