Afterschool for Older Youth

Not long ago, afterschool programs were largely only available at the elementary school-age level. That began to change last decade and today programs for older youth are becoming more common, offering leadership and service learning opportunities, work experience, academic credits and stipends.  

Quality before-school, afterschool and summer learning programs for middle and high school age young people look very different from programs developed for younger children, preparing them for college and the workplace.  Evaluators have found that quality out-of-school programs for older youth can have positive academic and social outcomes, resulting in improved attendance and grades and higher graduation and college enrollment rates. 

On Wednesday, February 24, several programs for older youth will be represented at a Congressional briefing being held in room G-11 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.  The discussion with Capitol Hill staff and advocates will center on the impact these programs are having on the lives of young people and the need for continued federal support for out-of-school programs for older youth.

The briefing is being held in conjunction with Senator Blanche Lincoln and Senator Evan Bayh, both cosponsors of the ASPIRE Act that would provide a dedicated funding stream for programs serving older youth. Check the Afterschool Snack blog on February 24 for more from the event and following along on the Afterschool Alliance’s Twitter account at: http://twitter.com/afterschool4all

Erik Peterson is Policy Director at the Afterschool Alliance. Bio.