Using Social Network Analysis to Understand the Impact of Adult-Youth Relationships in Out-of-School Programs

• In Event: The Out-of-School-Time Sector: Alternative and Expanded Conceptualizations to Design, Analysis, and Evaluation

Abstract

Using social network analysis, we explored how the adult-youth relationships within an out-of-school program relate to adolescents’ feelings of belonging, mattering, and connection, as well as perceptions of program climate. Our study was conducted in collaboration with a nonprofit organization that focuses on supporting low-income, Latine students. Findings showed that ties to staff significantly increased over the course of the program, as did student participants’ feelings of belonging, mattering, connection, and perceptions of program climate. Additionally, higher amounts of outgoing ties to staff were associated with stronger feelings of connection and more positive perceptions of program climate. These results highlight the importance of adult-youth relationships in out-of-school settings, especially for youth who are often underserved in traditional school settings.

Author

• Jennifer R. Renick, Michigan State University