Critical Hours: Afterschool Programs and Educational Success
June 04, 2003
BETH MILLER
Experiences during adolescence shape students’ futures as learners and individuals. Afterschool time presents opportunities for social-emotional and interest-driven learning through hands-on experiences—something that is sometimes missing from school curricula.
This report draws on research from a range of fields to establish the context for afterschool programs and their role in academic success. By examining afterschool programs, the report provides an overview of positive outcomes that set students up for engaged, lifelong learning.
Communities, school systems and government [must work] together to overcome barriers to effective programs in order to provide young people with experiences that contribute to their development, safety and academic achievement.