Research-Based Practices in Afterschool Programs for High School Youth

Structured afterschool programs are often perceived as a service for young children only. Communities often overlook teenagers, expecting more substantial benefits from investments in programs for younger children (Hall & Gruber, 2007). Of about 8.4 million children participating in afterschool programs nationwide, only 1 million are high school students (Afterschool Alliance, 2009b). In addition, only 15 percent of the programs funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) program include high school students (Afterschool Alliance, n.d.). Recent budget cuts in many schools have reduced or eliminated high school extracurricular activities such as music and athletics, leaving some teenagers without safe, enriching activities after school (Hall & Gruber, 2007).