Study: Students not participating fully in after-school programs

After seven months of research, meeting with parents, students and school leaders in several communities, the Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time, co-chaired by Sen. Thomas McGee of Lynn, revealed information that many already knew: quality after school programs play a key role in making sure that young people realize their full potential to become well-rounded adults and responsible citizens.In “high-risk” areas such as Lynn, after school programs are doubly important, as many parents work multiple jobs or are unable to help children with their schoolwork because of a language or culture barrier.But the 160-page report and 28 page executive summary revealed that 80 percent of the 1.3 million children in the state are not participating in these programs because of funding issues, and made key recommendations for setting up more of these programs in high-need areas.First, the committee recommends increasing public awareness by creating a statewide campaign about the importance of after school programs in the development of children and youth.Second, they hope to provide information and increase access by making it easier for parents to find out about after school programs statewide and for the state to “collect more data that will help policymakers and funders better understand the need for after school programming across the Commonwealth.”Third, by promoting quality programs and a quality workforce through the creation of a professional development fund and the enhancement and coordination of existing regional technical assistance centers, the committee hopes to encourage “systemic exploration of compensation and benefits to reduce the high turn-over rate; and formalize a set of competencies and program measures to achieve quality standards.”Fourth, fostering collaboration by creating public and private partnerships at state, regional and local levels to “leverage existing revenue and resources already dedicated to this purpose.”In particular, the Special Commission calls for increased collaboration between schools and community-based organizations where school facilities, alternative transportation drop-offs and other strategies can be explored to increase access to quality after school program opportunities for children and youth.In addition, there are a number of “unlikely allies” who want to be more involved in a coordinated effort to provide after school programs such as the Commonwealth’s library system, private and parochial schools, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the network of municipal parks and recreation departments among others.Central to implementing the recommendations in these areas is the proposed creation of a Statewide After school and Out-of-School Time Public and Private Coordinating Council.The Commission met with leaders in several high-risk areas, including Lynn, before releasing the report. McGee, a Lynn democrat who co-chaired the commission with Rep. Marie St. Fleur, credits those meetings with opening his eyes to many issues.”We heard some amazing stories from kids across the state. Providing quality opportunities after school is essential to helping them become productive, future leaders in the Commonwealth,” he said. “Learning takes place at every hour of the day and in all of the places where young people spend their time. What are we doing to help them become the people they are meant to be and the future leaders that we need to help us address the complex issues of living in a global society? We need to recognize that and make sure all the places that our young people go are equipped to help them realize their full potential.”