RAISING
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT FOR AMERICA’S YOUTH
A Study of 20 Successful Programs
American Youth Policy Forum
(2000)
By Sonia Jurich and Steve Estes
RAISING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT FOR AMERICA'S YOUTH: A Study of 20 Successful Programs. This new publication highlights 20 models of excellence in raising academic achievement and provides a highly useful guide for policymakers, educators and youth development practitioners in their work toward a better future for American youth. The 20 examples were drawn from the 95 youth initiatives included in AYPF's two previous publications on successful youth programs: Some Things DO Make a Difference for Youth and MORE Things That DO Make a Difference for Youth. Evaluations included in the new book show evidence of success on multiple measures of academic achievement, such as test scores, high school graduation rates, and college enrollment and retention. This report was made possible by the William T. Grant Foundation
Analysis of the evidence and program evaluations suggests that five strategies promote academic achievement for young people:
| w High Expectations for Youth, Program and Staff |
| w Personalized Attention |
| w Innovative Structure/Organization |
| w Experiential Learning |
| w Long-Term Support |
The 20 programs featured in Raising Academic Achievement:
This publication may be freely quoted without permission provided the source is identified as Jurich, Sonia and Steve Estes (2000). Raising Academic Achievement: A Study of 20 Successful Programs. Washington, DC: American Youth Policy Forum.
Reproduction of any portion of the publication for commercial sale is prohibited.
Copies are available for $5.00 each in limited numbers from the American Youth Policy Forum, 1836 Jefferson Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036-2505 including postage in the contiguous United States. All others should call 202-775-9731 for shipping costs. All orders must be prepaid by check or money order. Federal ID #31-1576455. ISBN # 1-887031-64-2.