Although implementing after school programs costs money, the benefits outweigh the economic burden because they provide outlets for expression, they give youth positive relationships and role models, and they can help with social and intellectual development.
Social Benefits
Findings suggest that “after-school programs can promote social competence and academic performance by providing challenging and meaningful opportunities for youth engagement (Shernoff).” For kids who struggle to make friends at school or have a rough home life, after school programs can be crucial in providing positive relationships and role models. They provide children with a close…
Positive Influence on Behavior
According to the Valerie Strauss, students who get to participate in after school programs are less likely to be victims or perpetrators of violence, join gangs, become teen parents or engage in other risky or inappropriate behaviors (Strauss). After school programs keep students safer and have a positive impact on their behavior. On the flip…
Continuing Learning Beyond the Classroom
Having after school programs, particularly for students with learning and attention issues, can be crucial to the learning process. According to Understood, a non profit for learning and attention issues, after school programs can help create a sense of belonging, improve social skills, provide academic support, make learning more fun, provide safety and supervision, and…
Benefits of After School Programs 