Finding Fortune in Thirteen Out-of-School-Time Programs
The out-of-school time (OST) programs profiled in Finding Fortune in Thirteen Out-of-School-Time Programs, a new compendium of evaluation summaries from the American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF), make the case that participation in OST programs improves outcomes for youth in the key areas of academic achievement improvement and higher developmental outcomes. The new report contributes to the evidence needed to make reasoned decisions regarding the future of after-school and out-of-school-time OST programming. This is especially important at a time when increased funding and support to OST programs have been challenged, specifically, by one high profile study that showed little difference in academic outcomes between program participants and non-program students.
The 13 programs profiled were selected because they met qualified research standards and used multiple and innovative strategies to engage young people. Disaggregated data found improved academic and developmental outcomes for both students of color and females.
The strategies used by successful programs featured in this new study are:
- Caring Relationships between Program Staff and Students
- Collaborative Partnerships between Local Governments and Schools
- A Developmental Framework that Emphasizes Youth Assets
- Expanded Roles and Relationships of Family Members
- Small Learning Communities to Facilitate Individualized Instruction and Greater Personal Contact with Students
- A Professional, Well-Planned Approach to Support Staff Development and Training
In addition to contributing to a better understanding of how OST programs increase positive youth outcomes and identifying key components, the AYPF report provides insights into the broad range of existing OST programming. Policymakers, practitioners, and others will “find fortune” in the positive outcomes for young people in the out-of-school-time hours.
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The report is available online at www.aypf.org.
The activities of the American Youth Policy Forum are made possible by the support of a consortium of philanthropic foundations: Carnegie Corporation of New York, Ford Foundation, Ford Motor Company Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, William T. Grant Foundation, George Gund Foundation, J & M Foundation, W. K. Kellogg Foundation, KnowldegeWorks, McKnight Foundation, Charles S. Mott Foundation, Surdna Foundation, Joseph and May Winston Foundation, and others.
Finding Fortune examines positive outcomes for youth in OST program evaluations of the following programs:
- 4-H—Nationwide
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers—Nationwide
- Beacons—San Francisco and New York
- BELL After-School Instructional Curriculum—Boston, New York and Washington, DC
- Big Brothers, Big Sisters (BB/BBS)—Nationwide
- Boys and Girls Clubs of America (B&GCA)—Nationwide
- Cap City Kids Program (CCK)—Columbus, Ohio
- Juvenile Mentoring Program—Nationwide
- LA’s BEST (Better Educated for Students for Tomorrow)—Los Angeles, CA
- Quantum Opportunities Project (QOP)—Philadelphia, Saginaw, Oklahoma City, San Antonio and Milwaukee
- Sacramento START—Sacramento, CA
- The After-School Corporation (TASC)—New York
- Youth Education for Tomorrow (YET)—Philadelphia, PA