Beyond School Bells (BSB) is an initiative of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (NCFF). As Nebraska's Statewide Afterschool Network, BSB focuses on supporting Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOs) for children in grades K-12 across Nebraska, which provide hands-on, engaging learning opportunities for students outside of the regular school day.
The Research is Clear
When young people regularly participate in high-quality Expanded Learning Opportunities, we see improvements in the core ABCs of school success:
- Attendance goes up
- Positive Behaviors increase (and negative behaviors go down), and
- Course work (and grades) improve.
ELOs benefit everyone—and are essential to Nebraska’s future workforce. ELOs don’t replace the school day; they add a second shift of caring adults who boost learning, provide extra support, and offer more hands-on learning than traditional hours allow. Beyond School Bells is committed to expanding access to quality ELOs across Nebraska. We build partnerships, shape policy, and bring together the people needed to create a stronger education system for all Nebraskans.
