The Usefulness of After-School Programs: More Than a Safe Space?

• In Event: 46.086 - Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: 46.086-2 - Community Experiences in Urban Education

Abstract

After-school programs play an important role in inner-city communities. Researchers have reported mixed results on the usefulness of after-school programs (Halpern, 2002). Using grounded theory and recommendations of the Joint Committee for Standards on Educational Evaluation, I conducted a case study to discover the unique influence California Youth Center has on students. I address selection bias in after-school programs by using a rich description of the students involved in the program to how and why they enrolled as well as student perceptions of the program’s distinct impact on their education. I develop a theory of better understanding the usefulness of after-school programs through maximization factors.

Author

• Antar Akari Tichavakunda, University of Southern California