Afterschool
The Skillman Foundation is a steadfast supporter of afterschool programs, working to develop a high-quality afterschool system with an emphasis on reaching youth living in areas with limited services. Alongside community partners, we are building a robust system of out-of-school learning and development opportunities that allow kids to explore and expand their sense of self and the world under the guidance of caring adults.
The benefits of afterschool programs are significant—and needed most in communities that have the fewest resources. We are committed to increasing public and private funding for Detroit’s afterschool system so that every young person who wants to participate can.
Key Indicator
Increased Public Funding for Afterschool
While Detroit’s afterschool offerings are high quality, many children lack access to them. Nationwide, an increasingly hefty price tag accompanies being on a sports team, exploring the arts, receiving tutoring help, and the like. Parents and caregivers make significant sacrifices to ensure their children can participate in afterschool activities, but not all have this ability. For every Michigan child participating in an afterschool program, three more would join if given the opportunity. By sixth grade, children of middle-class families will have spent over 4,000 more hours engaged in afterschool and summer programs than their lower income peers. We seek to increase to public and private dollars dedicated to strengthening the afterschool system.
Recent News
Recent Grants
Collaborations
Youth Development Resource Center
A network of hundreds of Detroit youth development providers offering afterschool or summer programs
Learning & Evaluation Reports
Afterschool Team
Carmen Kennedy-Rogers
Dr. Carmen Kennedy-Rogers is the director of Ground Building, supporting the power of Detroit youth, educators, and residents to shift education policy and systems change.
Terry Whitfield
Terry Whitfield was a partnership manager of Policy & Systems, supporting youth-centered education policy and systems change. He departed from the Foundation in April of 2024.
Ashlee Schmidt
Works across the organization to design, strengthen, and implement processes and practices to foster greater efficiency, integration, and ultimately impact of the Program & Strategy team.
Lindsey Barrett
Lindsey Barrett is a partnership manager of Ground Building with The Skillman Foundation. She leads the Foundation’s efforts to build power with Detroit youth.