After-School Programs

According to the New Jersey School-Age Care Coalition, non-school hours represent the single largest block of time in the lives of American children and youth. Young people's participation in constructive learning activities during non-school hours contributes substantially to their success in school. In several studies spanning more than a decade, researchers at the University of Wisconsin have shown that a host of positive benefits result from children's participation in high quality after-school programs, including better grades, work habits, emotional adjustment and peer relations. These programs can range from after school homework help to arts and community service. Low-income youth are much less likely than their more affluent peers to have access to these programs. According to the National Education Longitudinal Study, 40 percent of low-income eighth graders—compared with only 17 percent of high-income respondents—do not participate in any organized after-school activities. In addition to providing an ideal opportunity for promoting children's learning and development, unsupervised after-school hours pose great risk. Several recent studies have also confirmed the relationship between the availability of after-school programs and reduced juvenile crime.