There are only so many hours in a day. There are even less in a school day. Yet during those seven hours we expect our students to master content in several academic subjects. They're supposed to become competent problem solvers, creative thinkers and artful writers. They must learn about civic responsibilities and healthy lifestyles, all while being socialized as proud Americans.

Finally, we expect our students to graduate college-ready, equipped with 21st-century skills, prepared to maintain our country's competitive advantage. All within seven hours.

Yet many of our schools are failing. Why do we think schools can do it alone?

Most schools operate as if "education," their mission, can happen only inside their buildings and only in those seven hours. Fortunately, there are reforms afoot.

Out-of-School Time, for example, provides additional creative programming that can enrich student learning, expose students to college subjects and career choices, and prevent violence, which often occurs during after-school hours. OST programs have no high-stakes testing to drive their activities nor unions to hinder merit-only retention of staff.

Most schools also have forgotten that there are many resources outside their buildings to help their students learn.

Right here in Pittsburgh, we have more than 29 colleges and universities filled with faculty capable of leading writing workshops, chemistry experiments and acting classes. These institutions are loaded with bright, ambitious college students capable of tutoring, mentoring and playing sports with children.

Right here in Pittsburgh, we have booming businesses. Banks, pharmacies, retail stores and so many other workplaces are filled with people capable of teaching students how to apply what they learn in school to work. Students can see that the math concepts that seem boring in a textbook, the history facts that don't seem relevant in class and the creative thinking that sometimes seems stifled at school actually matter in real life.

Both universities and businesses in our area also have physical and financial resources. They have running tracks and tennis courts. Science labs and writing centers. Stages and art studios. Sometimes they also have money for special initiatives, or at least expert grant writers who know how to get money.

Pittsburgh must learn that education does not just happen inside school buildings or just by employing limited school resources. Other cities have.

Chicago's After-School Matters program partners with local businesses in the arts, technology, sports and communications to offer paid internships to students in underserved schools. Boston's After-School and Beyond Initiative has been implemented citywide and includes both public and private partnerships.

Pittsburgh schools would be wise to think about how to engage local partners during out-of-school time. Superintendents, principals and teachers: What are your needs? What can be accomplished after school? How can others help?

Schools need not strive alone to accomplish their mission. There may be only seven hours in a school day, but there are many more in an education.

Cartoonist Rob Rogers does "Rob's Rough," an early look at his work and his creative process, exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.