With after-school programs gone virtual, Minneapolis schools see sharp drop in interest

Before the pandemic, thousands of Minneapolis elementary and middle school students attended after-school programs designed to help them catch up to their peers in math and reading. For an hour or two after regular classes, the students would complete hands-on projects meant to supplement their classroom learning.

This year, however, that programming has to come through a screen. And the virtual option is proving far less popular.

There are fewer than 700 students in kindergarten through eighth grade enrolled in the free after-school classes this year. Last year, by comparison, there were about 6,500 students enrolled by mid-January.

https://www.startribune.com/with-after-school-programs-gone-virtual-minneapolis-schools-see-sharp-drop-in-interest/600005478/