Afterschool programs known for advancing students in numerous areas of life
SUMMARY
- The article on citiesspeak.org mentions that there are 11 million children across the nation who are put into unsupervised environments during afterschool hours. Juvenile crime incidents also tend to peak during these hours (2 to 6 p.m.).
- A study of a 21st Century Learning Center in Texas revealed that federal funding for afterschool programs in high-poverty schools improved standardized test schools and reduced absences of students, but also had effects beyond academics. Students who participated in the programs were less likely to use drugs or alcohol or engage in juvenile crime.
- Advocates say if afterschool programs can receive proper funding, these effects could be seen on a much larger scale across the nation, creating safer communities and setting children up for success in the classroom and beyond for the rest of their lives.
INSIGHT
Afterschool programs can be a true difference-maker in so many regards for communities. All communities can benefit from greater afterschool resources, but especially schools located in poor or underserved areas.
It is up to school districts to commit more to afterschool programs, while advocates continue to lobby the government for greater resources for afterschool funding. While participation in afterschool programs across America has increased to more than 10.2 million students, there are still many students waiting to get involved, who can be helped tremendously by their involvement.
