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The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) is a state-funded initiative designed to give TK-6th grade students access to high-quality enrichment opportunities outside of the traditional school day. Through before-school, after-school, and summer programs, ELOP ensures that students—especially low-income students, English learners, and foster youth—receive meaningful, engaging experiences that support their academic, social, and emotional growth.

The impact of afterschool programs is clear. Research shows that students who regularly attend high-quality afterschool programs can improve their math scores by up to 20 percentile points and see significant gains in standardized test performance​. 

For schools, this is an opportunity to reimagine learning and bring in programs that emphasize teamwork, creativity, and personal growth. Whether through STEM projects, arts programs, physical activity, or leadership workshops, ELOP gives schools the flexibility to design experiences that align with their students’ unique needs.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• Why ELOP Matters for Schools.
• Who Qualifies for ELOP?
• The Benefits of ELOP for Schools and Students.
• What Can Schools Offer Under ELOP?
• How Schools Can Get Started with ELOP.

With the right approach, ELOP isn’t just an extension of the school day—it’s an opportunity to transform the way students learn, grow, and thrive.

Why ELOP Matters for Schools

Schools today face growing challenges in student engagement and attendance. Chronic absenteeism nearly doubled between 2019 and 2022, impacting 14.7 million K-12 students. Research shows that 49% of students who were chronically absent the previous year improved their school-day attendance after participating in an afterschool program​.

ELOP is designed to help schools combat absenteeism, increase student engagement, and provide hands-on enrichment experiences that go beyond the classroom. By securing state-funded ELOP support, schools can create programs that:

• Keep students engaged and motivated through interactive, structured activities.
• Provide academic support and enrichment that complements in-class learning.
• Foster social-emotional skills through teamwork, leadership, and creative problem-solving.

By securing ELOP funding, schools can create engaging programs that improve attendance, enhance learning experiences, and provide critical support for students who need it most.

Who Qualifies for ELOP?

ELOP funding is available to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in California, including public school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools that serve transitional kindergarten (TK) through sixth grade. However, priority is given to schools with higher concentrations of underserved students—those who need expanded learning the most.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for ELOP, schools must meet the following criteria:

• Serve TK-6th Grade Students – Schools must provide classroom-based instruction for transitional kindergarten through sixth grade.
• Have a High Percentage of Underserved Students – ELOP funding prioritizes schools where a significant percentage of students are:
  • English learners
  • Eligible for free or reduced-price meals
• Funding is Based on Student Enrollment – Schools receive ELOP funding based on their average daily attendance (ADA) and their unduplicated pupil percentage (UPP) (students who qualify for additional support services).

How Much Funding Do Schools Receive?

Schools with an Unduplicated Pupil Percentage (UPP) of 75% or higher receive $2,750 per student, or a minimum of $50,000 in funding. Schools with a UPP below 75% receive a prorated amount based on available funding, with a guaranteed minimum of $50,000​.

This funding can be a game-changer for schools, allowing them to invest in high-quality enrichment programs that improve student engagement, reduce absenteeism, and support academic success.

The Benefits of ELOP for Schools and Students

ELOP isn’t just about extending the school day—it’s about creating meaningful learning experiences that support academic achievement, social development, and student well-being. Research consistently shows that high-quality afterschool and expanded learning programs lead to better outcomes for students.

Academic Benefits

Studies have found that students who participate in afterschool programs:

• Improve their math scores by up to 20 percentile points and show significant gains on standardized tests​.
• Are more engaged in learning, leading to better classroom performance and higher homework completion rates.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on, interactive activities.

By integrating STEM education, literacy support, and project-based learning, ELOP-funded programs help students reinforce classroom learning in a dynamic, low-pressure environment.

Improving Student Attendance and Engagement

Student engagement is one of the biggest challenges schools face today, and chronic absenteeism continues to rise. Research shows that:

• 49% of students who were chronically absent improved their attendance after joining an afterschool program​.
• Students in expanded learning programs are more likely to participate in school activities and feel a stronger connection to their school community.

When students enjoy learning and feel supported outside of regular school hours, they are more likely to attend, engage, and succeed.

Social-Emotional and Behavioral Growth

ELOP provides more than just academic support—it helps students build essential life skills:

• Teamwork and leadership: Group activities and collaborative projects strengthen communication and cooperation.
• Emotional resilience: Safe, structured environments help students develop confidence and self-regulation skills.
• Positive relationships: Mentors, educators, and peers provide support networks that encourage student growth.

A well-structured expanded learning program helps students develop social-emotional skills that prepare them for success beyond the classroom.

Supporting Equity and Access

ELOP prioritizes schools with high percentages of underserved students, ensuring that low-income students, English learners, and foster youth have access to the same enrichment opportunities as their peers. These programs bridge the opportunity gap, providing students with:

• Academic support tailored to their needs
• Access to technology, books, and learning materials
• A safe, supportive space outside of school hours

When designed effectively, ELOP-funded programs empower students by giving them the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

What Can Schools Offer Under ELOP?

ELOP funding gives schools the flexibility to design enrichment programs that support academic, physical, and social-emotional development. The most successful programs balance structured learning with engaging, hands-on experiences that keep students motivated beyond the classroom.

Types of Programs Schools Can Offer

1. Academic Enrichment

ELOP programs can reinforce classroom learning with interactive and engaging activities that help students develop critical skills without feeling like they’re in a traditional classroom setting. These include:

• STEM and Robotics Labs – Hands-on science, coding, and engineering challenges.
• Literacy and Writing Workshops – Creative storytelling, book clubs, and language development.
• Math and Problem-Solving Challenges – Games and activities that build numeracy skills.

2. Movement-Based Learning and Physical Wellness

Physical activity is about more than just sports—it’s about helping students develop confidence, coordination, and teamwork through movement-based experiences. Schools can offer:

• Functional Movement Programs – Activities that develop agility, coordination, and strength through bodyweight exercises, obstacle courses, and dynamic movement challenges.
• Team-Building Activities – Structured group games that build leadership, collaboration, and social skills.
• Mindfulness and Recovery Sessions – Yoga, breathwork, and guided movement to support mental well-being and stress management.
• Speed and Agility Training – Sessions that improve movement mechanics and body awareness in a fun, interactive way.

Many schools partner with certified organizations like HPA, a certified program provider specializing in movement-based learning and youth development, helping schools implement engaging, high-quality enrichment programs. These organizations provide curriculum, certified instructors, and all necessary equipment, taking the workload off school staff while ensuring students receive expert-led, high-quality physical activity programs.

3. Arts, Creativity, and Self-Expression

Creative programs allow students to explore their interests, build confidence, and develop problem-solving skills. Schools can offer:

• Visual Arts and Design – Painting, sculpture, digital media, and photography.
• Performing Arts – Theater, music, and dance programs.
• Maker Spaces and DIY Projects – Hands-on design thinking activities.

4. Social-Emotional and Leadership Development

ELOP provides a great opportunity for students to develop life skills that prepare them for future success. Schools can introduce:

• Mentorship and Peer Support Programs – Encouraging positive role models.
• Student Leadership Opportunities – School clubs, student councils, and community projects.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Workshops – Helping students develop resilience, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.

5. Career Exploration and Real-World Learning

Expanded learning can introduce students to future career pathways through:

• Hands-on career exploration activities – Guest speakers, field trips, and industry engagement.
• Entrepreneurship and financial literacy programs – Teaching money management and business skills.
• Technology and digital literacy – Ensuring students are equipped for the future job market.

By leveraging ELOP funding and partnering with certified providers like HPA, schools can seamlessly implement high-quality programs without adding extra work for their staff. These partnerships ensure that students receive engaging, research-backed enrichment activities while schools focus on their core mission—educating and supporting students.

Next, we’ll explore how schools can get started with ELOP funding and implementation.

How Schools Can Get Started with ELOP

For schools looking to take advantage of Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) funding, the process begins with understanding state requirements and developing a plan that meets both student needs and program guidelines.

1. Understand ELOP Funding and Compliance Requirements

Schools should start by reviewing California Department of Education (CDE) guidelines to ensure they meet eligibility criteria and understand funding allocations. Important steps include:

• Confirming eligibility based on student demographics (TK-6th grade, English learners, low-income students).
• Understanding how funding is calculated based on Average Daily Attendance (ADA) and Unduplicated Pupil Percentage (UPP).
• Ensuring program offerings align with ELOP guidelines for enrichment, academic support, and physical activity.

2. Develop an ELOP Program Plan

A successful program starts with a clear vision that aligns with student needs and school priorities. Schools should consider:

• Which enrichment activities will have the most impact on students.
• How to structure the program schedule (before-school, after-school, and summer learning).
• What resources are needed, including staff, materials, and space.

3. Partner with Certified Organizations to Streamline Implementation

Many schools find success by partnering with certified program providers like HPA to handle curriculum design, staffing, and program execution. Working with an established organization can:

• Take the burden off school administrators and teachers by managing logistics.
• Ensure the program meets state compliance and quality standards.
• Provide expert-led enrichment activities that engage students and drive outcomes.

By leveraging partnerships, schools can maximize their ELOP funding while ensuring students receive the highest-quality programming without overwhelming their staff.

4. Apply for Funding and Launch the Program

Once the program structure is in place, schools can apply for ELOP funding through the CDE, following the required timelines and application processes. From there, implementation can begin, ensuring:

• Regular tracking of student engagement and attendance.2
• Feedback collection from students, parents, and educators to refine program offerings.
• Adjustments to programming to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with student needs.

By strategically designing and implementing an ELOP program, schools can create high-impact enrichment experiences that benefit students long-term.

Final Thoughts

For schools looking to implement meaningful, impactful programs, ELOP funding provides the opportunity to offer high-quality learning experiences without additional strain on educators.

Building a high-quality ELOP program doesn’t have to be overwhelming. HPA is a certified program provider that helps schools implement engaging, movement-based enrichment programs that meet ELOP requirements.