By Laura LaCroix-Dalluhn, April guest blogger
Many of us remember participating in afterschool or summer programs growing up. In many cases we met new friends, learned about the environment, arts, science, sports or even learned a new trade. As youth, these enrichment programs provided us places and spaces that were fun and sparked our interests and our passions. They provided us relevant and timely learning experiences. As parents, we want these enrichment programs to provide our children and youth with opportunities to explore new things that interest them and engage them in meaningful ways.
What you may not know is that children and youth who regularly participate in quality afterschool or summer programs perform better in school compared to their peers who do not. Research has shown that not only can summer enrichment opportunities minimize learning loss but they can actually help children and youth continue to make progress over the summer. There is also a growing body of evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of afterschool programs. Children and youth who regularly participate in quality afterschool programs are less likely to engage in negative behaviors in and out of the classroom, they tend to have a better sense of who they are and what they want for themselves in their future, and they have higher attendance rates in school. A recent national study demonstrated increases in grades and math scores among primary and middle school students who regularly attended quality afterschool programs.
Unfortunately, not everyone has equitable access to quality afterschool and summer programs. A recent survey done by the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Youth Development found that children and youth from middle- and upper-income families participate in more afterschool and summer programs than children and youth from lower-income families. The survey also found that white, non-Hispanic children and youth are more likely to participate in afterschool and summer programs than children and youth from communities of color and newly arriving families. These findings indicate there is an opportunity gap.
Learning opportunities beyond the classroom can provide children and youth powerful experiences that can help shape who they are and who they will become in the future. Think of what could be accomplished if quality afterschool and summer programs were made available to all children and youth! Join Youth Community Connections efforts to ensure all young people have access to quality learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Visit our Web site to learn how to improve the quality of your afterschool or summer program; or learn more about starting an afterschool or summer program in your community.
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