More than homework help: The critical role of afterschool programs for youth learning and development

ABSTRACT

Afterschool programs are increasingly recognized as valuable opportunities for learning that can create social capital, expose students to topics of interest, and build personal identities. Yet poor policies and ineffective practices driven by outdated ideals abound, including an emphasis on the caregiving function of afterschool programs for working families, as well as a focus on academic skill-building and remediation, often to the detriment of adolescents and students of color. I review historical trends and recent controversies alongside empirical and theoretical research to demonstrate the importance of afterschool for learning and development, particularly for students who are most likely to disengage from traditional school cultures. Using learning ecosystems models, I offer insights into how education leaders can leverage the strengths of afterschool programs to support academic achievement without simply extending the school day into afterschool.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional Resources

1. David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality (n.d.). The Forum for Youth Investment. https://forumfyi.org/weikartcenter/

The Forum for Youth Investment provides helpful resources for anyone interested in youth development, but the Weikart Center page is particularly useful for program providers who are interested in assessing current quality and making improvements of their youth offerings. The Weikart Center offers support and trainings, but providers can also access the free YPQI assessment tool and conduct self-assessments. Assessments are available for K-12 programs, as well as those focused on SEL outcomes.

2. McCombs, J.S. & Whitaker, A.A. (2021). Putting data to work for young people: A framework for measurement, continuous improvement, and equitable systems. Every Hour Counts. https://www.everyhourcounts.org/resource-library

For those interested in looking beyond individual programs towards systems change efforts, this guidebook provides insights into developing a data system to support continuous improvement across afterschool networks. The guidebooks provide practical examples and strategies for planning and implement data systems, corresponding to the companion measurement framework also available through the Every Hour Counts website.

3. The Hive Learning Network, New York City. http://hivenyc.org/

Now a member-led network of educators from across sectors, the Hive was one of the first connected learning efforts in the country to explore systems approaches to interest-driven youth learning. The site provides a timeline and overview of the network evolution, and visitors can learn more about legacy projects as well as new efforts from the collaborative. The Hive is an excellent resource for those interested in the intersection of arts, making, tech, and digital media with youth programming.