State of the Georgia Girl Report

Out-of-School Involvement

Participation in afterschool programs and organized activities is an important component of a young person’s social development. Outside the classroom, these experiences offer youth opportunities to practice social skills, build supportive peer relationships, and develop the personal characteristics that contribute to long-term success. Research demonstrates that high-quality out-of-school programs accelerate students’ academic performance and contribute to improvements in mental and physical health. In Georgia, 1 in 4 girls is not involved in any out-of-school activity. For the three quarters of Georgia girls who do participate, the type of activity varies: girls participate in clubs and lessons at higher rates than boys, but are less likely to participate in sports.

According to Georgia After 3 PM, a report of The Afterschool Alliance, 54% of children in Georgia would participate in an afterschool program if one were available – a rise of over 12% in a single year (Afterschool Alliance, 2025). Parents also recognize the benefits: nearly 9 out of 10 families with children in afterschool programs recognize their children building life skills like social skills and decision making. The significant portion of Georgia youth who experience barriers to accessing afterschool programming will miss out on this important protective factor.

28% of Georgia girls are not enrolled in extracurricular activities.

3 out of 5 families report cost as a barrier to participation in afterschool programming in Georgia. Georgia After 3 PM 2026, The Afterschool Alliance.

Lack of Reliable Transportation

Inconvenient Locations

Programs Unavailable

Program Cost

58%

49%

46%

40%

87% of Georgia

Girl Scouts say: “ I am doing activities in Girl Scouts I would not have done otherwise.

POWERED BY THE GIRL SCOUT COUNCILS SERVING THE STATE OF GEORGIA 77