Transcript What Are After-School Programs?

Why 4-H Afterschool?
Eddie Locklear
4-H Afterschool Director
National 4-H Council
What Are After-School
Programs?
• Offered when children and youth are not in
school and parents need care for them
• Provide safe, healthy, caring, and
enrichment environments
• Include before- and after-school hours,
teacher workdays, school holidays,
summer, and may include weekends
(continued) ⇨
What Are After-School
Programs?
• Long-term, structured, sequentially planned
learning experiences in partnership with
adults
• Are offered every day or several days of the
week for extended periods of time, may
include weekends too
• Sponsored by schools or community groups
(Schools, BGCA, YMCA, Faith-based, etc.)
Rationale:
Why After-School Programs?
• Changing family situations
• Time of risk or opportunity
• Research support for benefits of
participation
Some significant negative consequences:
• Youth are at greater risk of being victims
of violent crime.
• Juvenile crime triples at 3 p.m.
• Greater risk of substance abuse and
sexual activity
• Anti-social behavior
• School dropout
(continued) ⇨
• Low academic performance and poor
grades
• Over exposure to television
• Truancy
• Accidents
Some significant benefits include:
• Improved academic performance
• Reduction in youth crime and risky
behavior
• Reduction in sexual activity
• Reduction in drug use
• Increased school success and high
school graduation
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•
•
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Improved social skills
Improved school attendance
Reduction in school dropout
Increased homework completion and
quality
• Improved self-confidence
• Improved interpersonal skills
• Increased life skills
8 Elements
4 Concepts
• Belonging
•
•
•
Positive relationship with a caring adult
An inclusive environment
A safe environment
• Mastery
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Engagement in learning
Opportunity for mastery
From Dr. Cathann Kress, Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development
(2004)
(continued) ⇨
8 Elements
4 Concepts
• Independence
•
•
Opportunity to see oneself as an active
participant in the future
Opportunity for self-determination
• Generosity
•
Opportunity to value and practice service
for others
From Dr. Cathann Kress, Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development
(2004)
For more information:
http://www.4hafterschool.org
http://www.reeusda.gov/extensioncares/
(click evaluation button)
http://www.cyfernet.org/
http://www.nncc.org/
http://www.jcpenney.net/company/
afterschool/index.htm
(click national partners)
http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/