Adolescents’ Skill Building and Persistence in Youth Programs

• In Event: Advances in Out-of-School Time Research: Examining Relationships, Program Practices, and Professional Development

Abstract

Youth programs support the academic and social development of adolescents. Yet, without sustained attendance teens will not benefit from the enriching activities offered in these programs. According to youth, the promise of learning new skills attracts them to programs. This study uses a mixed-methods design employing observations, staff interviews, youth surveys, and attendance records to examine: 1) If there a relationship between skill-building and adolescents’ attendance and; 2) How skill-building opportunities are created in a high quality, science and math focused, youth program serving predominantly minority students. Findings will contribute to the out-of-school time field by informing the practices and professional development of program leaders and the strategies used to increase adolescents’ attendance in a developmentally enriching context.

Author

• Femi Vance, University of San Diego