Young people benefit from strong relationships with caring adults, especially during the hours beyond the school day, when afterschool and youth programs can offer mentorship, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. The adults who lead these programs are deeply committed to their work, but many say they need more support to stay and thrive in the field.
That’s one takeaway from the Power of Us Workforce Survey, released by the American Institutes for Research as part of a broader Youth Fields Study. More than 7,000 adults working with young people nationwide responded, offering insight into why they enter the field, why they stay, and what could strengthen the workforce.
Here’s what the researchers found:
- Purpose drives the workforce. Many respondents said they joined youth-serving roles because of a sense of purpose and commitment to young people. Nearly eight in ten reported being highly committed to the field, and 60 percent have remained in youth work since their first job.
- Support and learning opportunities matter. Most respondents said they have access to professional learning through their organizations. But fewer reported opportunities for collaborative growth experiences such as coaching, networking, shadowing, or peer learning, suggesting room for stronger on-the-job support.
- Burnout and compensation remain challenges. While most respondents said they feel valued at work, nearly half also reported feeling burned out. Better pay and benefits was one of the most common improvements workers said they need.
The findings highlight both the dedication of afterschool professionals and the importance of investing in the people who help young people learn and grow beyond the school day. Explore more Wallace insights on afterschool and youth development here.
