The recession has drastically reduced enrollment in after-school programs across the country. For example, my youngest daughter has been a baton twirler for five years. When she started, there were about 10 people in her beginner class. Today, classes began again and only one new girl was there.
Throughout the nation, after school activities are seeing fewer participants in fields like dance, baton twirling, karate, and other privately operated groups.
Programs funded outside of the parents’ pocketbooks are finding more success, although they are also struggling to hold onto funding from schools, state grants, and other sources.
More and more, organizations are looking at alternate funding sources, including seeking 501(c)3 status to allow for tax-free donations by businesses and corporations, restructuring methods of bringing the classes to students, and opening discussion with parents to help come up with constructive ideas.
Has your favorite organization been affected or impacted?
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