OMCH’s latest fact sheet shows that kids who participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, afterschool clubs, lessons, or community service, tend to have better mental health. Students who participate in one hour or more of extracurricular activities are less likely to report anxiety or depression and less likely to have considered or attempted suicide. Additionally, students who participate in extracurriculars are more likely to feel they belong at their school.

Unfortunately, its not that simple. While there is wide bipartisan support for afterschool programs, it does not follow that there is a dedicated funding stream to support youth extracurriculars. Demand is high among families, but more than half of the programs have waiting lists.

As families across the US slowly ease back into the upcoming school year, often through the start of the youth fall sports season mid-July, many families may be thinking about how to help their children find their niche at school.