Introduction and Rationale
Teens who do not take part in afterschool programs are just about three times more likely to skip classes than teens who do participate in afterschool programs. They are also three times more likely to use marijuana or other drugs, and are more likely to drink, smoke and engage in sexual activity. (YMCA of the USA, 2001) After-school programs assist in the process of shutting down the “Prime Time for Juvenile Crime.” When the school bell rings, turning millions of children and teens out onto the streets, violence and juvenile crime suddenly soars. In California, 2 pm to 6 pm are the peak hours on school days for such crime and the peak hours for kids to become victims of violence. This same period of time, during
…show more content…
Participation in afterschool programs has been associated with positive health outcomes, including reduced obesity (Mahoney, J., Lord, H., & Carryl, 2005).Working families and businesses also derive benefits from afterschool programs that ensure that youth have a safe place to go while parents are at work. Parents concerned about their children’s afterschool care miss an average of eight days of work per year, and this decreased worker productivity costs businesses up to $300 billion annually (Brandeis University, Community, Families and Work Program, 2004 and Catalyst & Brandeis University, 2006).
Statement of Purpose & Objectives
The purpose of this project is to evaluate the benefits of after school programs, specifically programs facilitated by the City of Fresno Parks and Recreation Department in the Fresno Unified School District. Evaluating the well-being and confidence of its participants and to explore the potential benefits of this program for the participants in other districts such Clovis Unified and/or Madera Unified. The following objectives will be used to conduct this research:
1. To examine the factors that motivate individuals to participate in this program (e.g. sense of self, confidence) and to explore the preferences of each participant from multiple school sites. (Fresno High, McLane,