Why is there such a shortage of afterschool spaces?

The shortage is a direct result of lack of funding. The federal government covers only eleven percent of the cost of afterschool, even though 29 percent of children in programs qualify for federal assistance. Many of these programs offer free or subsidized afterschool care but in order to sustain these programs we need greater investment from all sectors to ensure that the neediest children are able to access quality, affordable afterschool programs - programs that keep kids safe, inspire learning and help working families.

Unlike other cities, such as Fort Worth, Dallas has no infrastructure to collect revenue specifically for afterschool programs. It hasn't been made a priority in this community like it has in others.