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BY REQUEST...
JANUARY 1999
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Benefits for Students
Quality after-school programs can have far-reaching benefits. Though not always immediately evident, the benefits for students include increased learning, improved health, increased exposure to career choices, and enhanced social and psychological development. Based on a national review of the research, many documented benefits of after-school programs are detailed below (U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice, 1998).
Increased learning. After-school programs can play a large role in improving student achievement. Whether through targeted academic activities, or through indirect activities that positively motivate them, students' chances of improving their school performance go up when they are actively engaged in a structured after-school program. Specifically, student learning benefits can include:
- Increased achievement in math, reading, and other academic subjects
- Enhanced reading ability and motivation, and greater self-confidence in reading
- Improved school attendance and reduced drop-out rate
- Completion of more and better-quality homework
- Reduced in-grade retention and placement in special education
Healthier students. After-school programs can foster healthier habits for students who would otherwise go home alone. Student health benefits can include:
- Decreased risk of teen parenthood (students who are not involved in any extracurricular activities are 36 percent more likely to be teen parents)
- Decreased likelihood of substance abuse
- Enhanced nutrition and wellness
- Increased opportunities to engage in fitness activities
Career outcomes. After-school programs are a perfect venue for student career exploration. Potential career benefits for students are:
- Exposure to a variety of careers and related interests through targeted activities (e.g., job shadows, speakers, workplace visits, etc.)
- Increased commitment to schooling and a subsequent development of higher aspirations for the future, including the intention to complete high school and college
Positive influences on social and psychological development. In addition to direct academic and school-related benefits, after-school programs can be advantageous to students in many other ways. After-school programs can be a time for students to volunteer in their communities, learn leadership skills, and make connections with adult mentors (Corporation for National Service and National Institute on Out-of-School-Time, 1997). Additional benefits to children's social and psychological development may include:
- Less time spent watching television (The most frequent activity for children during non-school hours is television watching, which has been associated with increased aggressive behavior and other negative consequences.For about one-half of the hours children spend watching television, they are watching by themselves or with other children. And roughly 90 percent of the time is spent watching programs that are not specifically designed for them.)
- Fewer behavioral problems in school
- Enhanced ability to handle conflicts
- Better social skills (more cooperative attitude with adults and peers)
- Improved self-confidence through development of caring relationships with adults and peers
- Growth in personal sense of community
- Reduced participation in gangs
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© 2001
Date of Last Update: 09/19/2001
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