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Research has consistently shown the benefit of youth participation in afterschool programs in a variety of areas as outlined below.
The DFCS Afterschool Care Program awards funding to quality afterschool providers to expand their capacity to serve at-risk youth in an effort to build stronger communities and families in Georgia.
DFCS Afterschool Care Program funded providers serve over 22,000 Georgia youth annually.
From October 1, 2013-September 31, 2014, the average daily attendance across all DFCS funded programs was 15,866 youth.
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Studies have shown that students who participate in a supportive, supervised afterschool program are less likely to engage in the following negative behaviors:
- Drug and alcohol use
- Skipping school
- Stealing
- Hurting others
By providing programming during the critical hours of 3-6PM, afterschool programs offer a safe environment in which participants can build positive relationships with peers,
program staff, and community members rather than spending time alone at home. Afterschool program staff are more than “babysitters” who keep youth out of trouble;
instead, staff model positive behavior and become an important influence in young peoples’ lives.
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Further research has shown improved academic success among youth who participate in afterschool programs, particularly among disadvantaged youth.
The Promising Afterschool Programs Study found that regular participation in afterschool programs was linked to statistically significant improvements on standardized tests.
Afterschool programs provide academic support and instruction in innovate ways that is not always possible during the school day.
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Parents miss an average of 5 work days a year due to lack of afterschool care options. Afterschool programs serve lower income families by providing enriching youth development programs that go behind simple child care while parents are at work. In fact, the American Institutes for Research found that, on average, 73% of participants in afterschool programs qualify for free or reduced priced lunch programs within their schools. Afterschool programs serve families and communities by offering valuable services to working and non-working parents.
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- http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data#GA/2/0
- http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/documents/AA3PM_2009/AA3_Factsheet_GA_2009.pdf
- http://www.wcwonline.org/images/stories/virtuemart/product/factsheet2009.pdf
- http://www.newdayforlearning.org/docs/HIllPPReport.pdf
- http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/documents/Essentials_and_Polling_2014_010714.pdf
- http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/Afterschool_Outcomes_2013.pdf
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