Content copyright . pedro rodriguez. All rights reserved.
|
After-School Programs Make a Difference in the Lives of Our Kids
The Need
Sixty-nine percent of all married-couple families with children ages 6–17 have both parents working outside the home. In 71 percent of single-mother families and 85 percent of single-father families with children ages 6–17, the custodial parent is working. The gap between parents' work schedules and their children's school schedules can amount to 20 to 25 hours per week. | |
|
—U.S. Departments of Education and Justice
| |
Middle school students who spend three or more hours home alone during out-of-school time are significantly more likely to use drugs and alcohol, have high levels of stress and anger, experience more depression and behavior problems, possess lower self-esteem, and perform poorly academically.
Safety
| Nearly 9 in 10 police chiefs said expanding after-school programs will "greatly reduce youth crime and violence." Nine out of 10 chiefs also agreed that "if America does not make greater investments in after-school and educational child care programs to help children and youth now, we will pay far more later in crime, welfare, and other costs." | |
|
—Mastrofski, Stephen D., and Keeter, Scott | |
| A study of an after-school and summer program in a Canadian housing project showed that compared to the two years prior to the program, the number of juvenile arrests declined by 75 percent. | |
|
—Newman, Sanford A., et al. America's After-School Choice: The Prime Time for Juvenile Crime, or Youth Enrichment and Achievement | |
Academics
| Nearly eight in 10 teens (79 percent) who participate in after-school programs are A or B students. Teens who do not engage in after-school activities are five times more likely to be D students than teens who do. | |
|
—YMCA of the USA, | |
The Future
| Students who spent time in extracurricular activities were 6 times less likely to drop out of school by senior year; 2 times less likely to be arrested by senior year; and about 75 percent less likely to smoke cigarettes or use drugs. | |
|
—Zill, N., Nord, C.W. & Loomis, L.S. . Adolescent Time Use, Risky Behavior and Outcomes: An Analysis of National Data. | |
6926 Aloma Ave. Winter Park Fl. 32792
407 325-2742
