Opinion: Preparing Kids for the Future Takes More Than the School Day

As artificial intelligence changes how we learn and work, schools face growing pressure to prepare students for an uncertain future. Academic knowledge remains essential. But young people also need to develop the ability to think critically, build relationships and take initiative in shaping their lives. Developing these future-ready skills takes practice: opportunities to make decisions, work through challenges, and learn alongside others. Afterschool and summer programs should be central partners in providing those experiences and in shaping how communities prepare children for the future. These programs offer valuable additional time for enrichment and learning; by some estimates, kids spend about five hours a week, on average, in programs outside the classroom. Just as important is what they make possible during those extra hours. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.

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