Filling the time after school.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - After school programs in United States

Support appears to outpace supply for after school programs, according to recent polls. There is widespread bipartisan support for organized learning activities during the after-school hours yet, according to one estimate, at least 14 million children are unsupervised after the school day ends.

After school programs are not only valuable time for academic enrichment and extended learning opportunities such as music and art, but also can keep youth safe and out of trouble. Unsupervised youth are more likely to get in car accidents and engage in criminal behavior between 3 and 6 p.m.

States are addressing this issue as reflected by the recent increase in legislation. More than 30 bills related to after-school care were passed in 2005 compared to a only a handful in 2000.

At least six states are expanding pilot programs or creating new ones, with California's activity considered the most comprehensive. In 2002, California voters passed Proposition 49, the After School Education and Safety Program, which earmarks general funds for after-school programs and triggers increased state funding when the state budget passes a threshold. California schools work...