Extracurricular Programs and At-Risk Youth: Different Benefits for Different Groups

• In Event: 34.079 - Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: 34.079-8 - High-Quality Out-of-School-Time Programming and Youth Outcomes

Abstract

Increased political and research interest in extracurricular and out-of-school activities stems, in part, from the claim that these programs especially benefit at-risk youth. However, it remains unclear how different types of programs can impact youth with different social risks. This paper reviews research on at-risk youth in extracurricular programs, and examines participation rates and impacts by gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other risk statuses. Our review reveals a promising, if complicated, picture of the benefits of extracurricular programs. However, the most at-risk youth often participate at the lowest rates, with concerns some gaps are stagnant or even increasing. This interpretative review helps practitioners and policymakers identify the right extracurricular opportunities to help reduce disparities in academic and noncognitive outcomes.

Authors

• Ryan Douglas Heath, University of Chicago

• Charity Anderson, Rutgers University - Newark

• Ashley Cureton Turner, University of Chicago

• Charles M. Payne, Rutgers University Newark