As more after school programs crop up across the country, and more schools and program directors are seeking funding to cover these programs, it is important to question the benefits of after school programs. Do kids really benefit from involvement in an after school program? Are these benefits even measurable?

Several researchers have studied after school programs to determine the true effectiveness, and most would agree on three main benefits.

Keep kids out of trouble. In her study on after school progams published by the University of Michigan, LaDonna Moore cites Gottfredson, Gerstenblith, Soule, Womer, and Lu, who say that “Children and adolescents who are not supervised by an adult for extended periods of time are at elevated risk for engaging in problem behavior.” After school programs provide additional supervision for kids during a time of day when parents and caregivers are often still at work.

Help kids improve study habits and grades. In her dissertation at University of Pennsylvania, “Assessing the benefits of an after-school program for urban youth: An impact and process evaluation,” Sherrie Christine Lauver, Ph.D. found that after school programs have a significant impact on the time program participants spend doing homework. She also found that after school programs tend to have a positive effect on the educational aspirations of participants.

Likewise, Moore found that children involved in after school programs are given the opportunity to expand on what they learn in school.

Encourage a healthy lifestyle. Studies have found that students involved in after school programs spend more time exercising and have better eating habits. Many after school programs include recreational activities, and some are primarily focused on exercise and athletic development. Lauver states that children who are participants in after school programs spend more time in strength training exercises at fitness centers than students who are not participants in an after school program.

Our goal with the Coop’s Life Skills program is to teach kids healthy habits, encourage exercise and help them form strong study skills. In addition, we work to improve student moral to boost school attendance and confidence and educate students on decision-making skills, character development and environmental awareness.

Support us in our efforts by spreading the word about our fundraising campaign, Help Build Skills. Our goal is to raise the funds necessary to start five new CLS programs in different communities.