YouthQuest will soon welcome hundreds of children to a new after school program held at elementary and middle schools throughout Genesee County, Michigan. This is an exciting time, and it’s the perfect opportunity to talk about why after school programs are so important.
Educating children and preparing them for the 21st century workforce is top of mind for schools across America. To be work-ready and understand the complex world in which we live, youth must have not only a solid foundation in math, science and technology, they should also have strong social skills. After school programs are in a unique position to help children be successful.
Quality after school programs complement the environments that are created by schools and families and provide important tools that focus on increasing academic performance, enrichment activities and youth development.
Studies show the after school approach to learning – fun, engaging, project-based and linked to the school day -- not only increases in-school success, but contributes to the development of work-ready skills such as team work, problem-solving, critical thinking, healthy decision-making and more.
Quality after school programs have proven to be effective in addressing many areas that benefit children, parents and communities. For example, after school programs…
- Improve academic achievement. Students who attend quality out-of-school programs earn better grades and significantly higher standardized test scores.
- Improve kids’ social and emotional skills. Participants in after school tend to improve such skills as building peer relationships, respect for others, self-esteem and being comfortable in social settings.
- Offer enrichment activities. Aspects of cultural and educational enrichment and skill building are addressed including academics, sports, performing arts, technology, arts and crafts, civic involvement and social, nutritional and physical involvement.
- Encourage youth empowerment and leadership. Kids participate in activities such as peer mentoring, discussion leading, decision making, leading teams and participating in program planning and reviews, and volunteer projects.
- Keeps kids healthy and safe. During the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., many children are unsupervised and are more likely to get into trouble or be victims of crime. In fact, being unsupervised after school doubles the risk that 8th graders will smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs. After school programs allow kids to spend time in a positive, engaging learning environment with responsible, caring adults.
- Play a vital role in connecting schools and communities. Students have the opportunity to move beyond the classroom curriculum and engage in activities in their neighborhoods, participate in joint projects with local organizations and interact with leaders in the community.
Clearly the evidence that after school programs play an invaluable role in positive youth education and development is compelling. These programs also provide positive economic returns in that after school initiatives can help improve school performance, increase workforce preparedness, reduce juvenile and adult crime, reduce need of social services and improve health outcomes.
We know that there is a large, underserved population of after school students in Genesee County. And we’re proud that YouthQuest will offer many of those students an opportunity to greatly enhance their academic and social skills, which will be significant strengths as they move into secondary education and beyond.
I encourage all parents and guardians with children who are eligible for after school programs to look into offerings in your local area. Give your child an advantage. SOURCES: After School Alliance, Michigan After School, U.S. Census Bureau, University of Minnesota: Economic Returns of After School Programs
To learn more about YouthQuest and see a list of participating schools, click here.
To read the press release announcing YouthQuest, click here.
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