Where afterschool becomes opportunity.

Stronger programs. Greater opportunities.

The Monadnock Region Afterschool Collective (MRAC) was established in 2019 to formalize a partnership among regional afterschool programs that had already been working together for many years.

By working collectively, program leaders share expertise, resources, training, and effective practices—strengthening the experiences available to young people and the dependable support available to working families.

The Collective includes:

ACCESS Winchester
Hinsdale After School Program
Keene Family YMCA Out of School Program
Kid Adventures
Project Beyond the Bell

3 boys at beyond the bell snack table

Youth Opportunity

1,231 young people served
81% felt safe, supported, and a sense of belonging
82% demonstrated targeted social-emotional skills
100% of programs introduced a new enrichment opportunity

Financial Stability

97% said afterschool helped them perform better at work
96% of parents said enrollment reduced stress
92% said it improved their family’s financial stability
13 Monadnock communities reached

What MRAC makes possible

Professional development

Shared training and flexible online learning help staff build skills throughout the year.

Behavior support

Coaching, mentorship, and practical resources help young people regulate, connect, and succeed.

Quality improvement

Members share effective practices, evaluate program quality, and identify opportunities for growth.

Enrichment

Collective resources bring new arts, STEM, recreation, and career experiences to local youth.

Shared problem-solving

Program leaders have a trusted network for navigating staffing, funding, and day-to-day challenges.

Workforce development

MRAPP builds pathways into afterschool and youth-development careers.

99% of participating staff demonstrated increased behavior management skills in 2025

Beyond the statistics:

A place to belong, explore, and grow.

In 2025, every participating program added a new enrichment opportunity. Young people explored cooking, stained glass, esports, STEAM, career awareness, youth-led marketing and production, and more.

“They are kind and caring about me and other kids. It helps students learn things that they didn’t know about and makes them feel more at home.” — MRAC program participant

kids at table working on a craft with staff helpers assisting them

staff t-shirt signed by all the students

Building the afterschool workforce:

Internships that open doors.

The Monadnock Region Afterschool Partnership Project creates paid, work-based learning opportunities in regional afterschool programs.

High school students, college students, and career changers gain hands-on experience, mentorship, leadership skills, and exposure to careers in education and youth development. Afterschool programs gain valuable staffing support that helps them serve more young people and offer additional enrichment.

MRAPP is funded through the Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst Program and administered by Monadnock United Way, with support from Southwest Region Planning Commission.

Read our Community Investment report to learn more.

Create more opportunities

There’s a place for you in this work.

Families, educators, businesses, colleges, enrichment providers, and community organizations all help strengthen afterschool across our region.

Interested in partnering with MRAC? Contact Stephanie Latini for more information: stephanie@muw.org

Support the work