After-school Programs Crucial for Students

After-school programs are provided for elementary and middle school students around the nation. These programs give children the opportunity to advance their skills while applying academically suitable techniques. When children are left alone beginning at a young age, they are more likely to become involved in high-risk behavior. However, when children are actively attending after-school programs, they are more likely to become involved in positive activities.

Elementary school-age children are more likely to attend after-school programs and more likely to engage in self-care as they reach an older age. “Nation-wide, 3,325,00012 six- to 12-year-olds regularly spent time unsupervised or in the care of a young sibling in 1999.” In fact, about the same number of children are left unsupervised each year, regardless of socioeconomic status (Vandivere, Tout, Capizzano, & Zaslow, 2003).

However, after-school programs are offered throughout the country to young children in hopes of improving their academic, social, and enrichment opportunities. About 14% of elementary school students are enrolled in after-school programs (ERIC Development Team, 2001). These programs are proven to be more effective for students when the adult-child ratio is low. The students receive personal attention, are able to get involved in more flexible activities, and are exposed to more age-appropriate activities.

Gender also plays a role in how effective after-school programs are. Boys who are involved in these programs usually prefer sports activities, while girls usually prefer social and academic activities (ERIC Development Team, 2001).

Socioeconomic status plays a great role in students’ involvement in these kinds of activities. Parents who make more money and have higher educational levels usually urge their children to participate in educational activities and enrichment lessons. It is easier for these parents to pay for their children’s involvement in these services (ERIC Development Team, 2001). “Most families pay, an average of $22 per week, per child for after-school programs (Making the Case, 2006). In fact, students with the most to gain from after-school programs are those who come from high-risk backgrounds.