California is home to a wide range of afterschool programs, learning initiatives, and nonprofit organizations supporting children, youth, and families. Opportunities and availability often vary by region, community, and local capacity.
This hub brings together trusted, state-specific resources for afterschool, tutoring, homeschooling, community learning, and nonprofit community support across California. It is intended to help families, churches, educators, tutors, and community organizations understand what exists and where to begin locally.
How to Use This Hub
You can use this page to:
- Explore statewide and regional afterschool networks
- Learn about different types of afterschool and learning programs
- Identify nonprofit organizations and community supports
- Find public education and youth-serving agencies
- Discover tutor and mentor training resources
- Explore homeschooling and microschool supports
This page offers a starting point rather than a complete listing.
Afterschool Networks and Alliances
These organizations support coordination, advocacy, and shared learning for afterschool and expanded learning programs across California.
California AfterSchool Network
The California AfterSchool Network is a statewide organization that supports the quality, access, and sustainability of afterschool and expanded learning programs across California. It offers research, tools, and connections that are useful for educators, nonprofit organizations, and community partners involved in out-of-school-time learning.
🔗 https://www.afterschoolnetwork.org/
California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance
The California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance is a statewide coalition that works to strengthen expanded learning opportunities for children and youth. The organization provides policy updates, public information, and statewide context that can help communities understand how afterschool programs are supported and organized in California.
🔗 https://ca3advocacy.com/
Afterschool Programs by Type and Age
California communities offer a wide range of afterschool programs. Examples of program types include:
Faith-Based Afterschool Programs
Programs operated by churches, faith-based nonprofits, or religious institutions that provide academic support, enrichment, mentoring, or care outside of school hours.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Programs
Hands-on learning programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including robotics, coding, and project-based learning.
Afrocentric and Culturally Responsive Programs
Programs grounded in cultural history, identity, and community connection, often centered on culturally responsive teaching and youth leadership.
By Age Group
- Elementary school
- Middle school
- High school
State and Public Education Resources
Public agencies and education offices that support learning and youth services in California.
Family Guide to Afterschool for All in California
The Family Guide to Afterschool for All in California is a public resource designed to help families understand expanded learning opportunities across the state. It explains what afterschool and expanded learning programs are, how they operate, and how families can explore options in their local communities.
🔗 https://innovateschools.org/family-guide-to-afterschool-for-all-in-california/
Nonprofit Community Resources
California has a large nonprofit ecosystem supporting children, youth, and families through education, enrichment, family services, and community development. Some nonprofit organizations serving California communities are faith-based and culturally rooted and provide education, youth development, and family support as part of their broader community work.
Brotherhood Crusade
Brotherhood Crusade is an African American–led nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that focuses on youth development, education, leadership, and community empowerment. The organization provides programs and supports designed to strengthen outcomes for children, youth, and families, with a focus on culturally grounded and community-based approaches.
🔗 https://brotherhoodcrusade.org/
Catholic Charities of California
Catholic Charities of California is a statewide network of nonprofit organizations affiliated with the Catholic Church that serve children, youth, and families through education, family support, and community-based programs. Local Catholic Charities agencies across California operate a range of services that may include afterschool programs, tutoring, mentoring, and youth development initiatives.
🔗 https://www.catholiccharitiesca.org/
Jewish Family Service (California Regional Organizations)
Jewish Family Service organizations across California provide community-based support for children, youth, and families, including educational programs, tutoring, youth development, and family services. While rooted in Jewish values, services are typically open to people of all backgrounds and are offered through regional Jewish Family Service agencies.
🔗 https://www.jfsla.org/
(Services are provided through regional organizations across California.)
Learn To Be
Learn To Be is a nonprofit organization that provides free, online tutoring to students. With roots in California, the organization connects volunteer tutors with learners for virtual academic support, making tutoring more accessible to families regardless of location.
🔗 https://www.learntobe.org/
Reading Partners
Reading Partners is a nonprofit organization that supports literacy development through one-to-one tutoring. Founded in California, the organization partners with schools and community sites to help students strengthen reading skills through structured, evidence-based support.
🔗 https://readingpartners.org/
The Salvation Army (California Divisions)
The Salvation Army operates faith-based nonprofit programs across California that support children, youth, and families through afterschool activities, educational enrichment, mentoring, and community services. While rooted in a Christian tradition, programs are generally open to the broader community and vary by local division and center.
🔗 https://calsouth.salvationarmy.org/
(California services are offered through regional divisions and local centers.)
School on Wheels
School on Wheels is a California-based nonprofit organization that provides tutoring and educational support to children and youth experiencing homelessness. Volunteers work directly with students to support academic learning and stability, particularly in communities across Southern California.
🔗 https://schoolonwheels.org/
Think Together
Think Together is a California nonprofit organization that operates expanded learning and afterschool programs in partnership with schools and communities. Its work focuses on academic support, enrichment, and youth development during out-of-school hours.
🔗 https://thinktogether.org/
West Angeles Community Development Corporation
West Angeles Community Development Corporation is a faith-rooted nonprofit organization affiliated with West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles. The organization supports children, youth, and families through education-focused programs, youth development initiatives, and community-based services grounded in the African American church tradition.
🔗 https://westangelescdc.org/
Tutor and Mentor Training Resources
Curated Resources
- Open-access tutor and mentor training materials
- Community-based learning tools
Created by the Lightstand Project
- Tutor and mentor training connected to the Community Engagement Program
Resources created by the Lightstand Project are clearly identified.
Homeschooling and Microschool Resources
California Homeschool Network
The California Homeschool Network is a statewide nonprofit organization that provides guidance, resources, and community support for families who homeschool. Its website includes information about legal requirements, learning options, and ways families can connect with one another across the state.
🔗 https://www.californiahomeschool.net/
Programs Created by the Lightstand Project
This section highlights original programs and tools developed by the Lightstand Project that may be relevant to California communities, including:
- Community Engagement Program resources
- Tutor and mentor training
- Community-based learning initiatives
These offerings are distinct from curated external resources.
Important Note
The Lightstand Project curates and shares resources for informational purposes only. Unless explicitly stated, programs, organizations, and events listed on this page are not operated by the Lightstand Project. Inclusion does not imply endorsement, partnership, or oversight.