It’s no secret in Chicago that the public school system has been poorly serving many of the youth in this city for decades, especially youth living on the West and South sides. Chicago Public Schools are facing a crisis of quality and equality, as thousands of students are trapped in low-performing schools that fail to prepare them for life beyond the 12th grade.
According to the Illinois Policy, more than 21,000 students in CPS attend schools that rank in the bottom 10 percent of elementary schools and high schools in Chicago. These schools have dismal academic outcomes, with a majority of students not having basic competence in reading, science, and math. These problems highlight the need for more educational options for students in Chicago’s lowest-performing public schools.
After-school learning programs can provide an array of benefits for teens in under-funded school districts, including academic improvement, reduced risky behaviors, and increased social-emotional skills.
Many teens in under-funded school districts face academic and social challenges that can limit their opportunities and well-being. However, high-quality after-school learning programs can offer them a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their potential, develop their skills, and improve their performance.
After-School Program Benefits
A study from the Afterschool Alliance found that teens who participate in after-school programs are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college than those who do not. They are also less likely to engage in behaviors such as substance abuse and delinquency.
According to Youth.gov, after-school programs can support social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development, promote physical health, and provide a significant return on investment. Attending after-school programs can also lead to improved social and emotional competencies, such as pro-social behavior, intrinsic motivation, better concentration, and a higher sense of self-worth. These “soft skills” are essential for workforce development and lead to more youth being successful in their careers.
In addition to academic and behavioral benefits, after-school programs can also help teens develop social-emotional skills, such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, and teamwork. These skills can help teens succeed at school and in life. Afterschool programs can help them build confidence, social skills, organizational skills, and self-advocacy skills. They can also provide individualized attention, academic support, and positive role models.
Additionally, attending after-school programs can improve students’ academic performance. A national evaluation found that more than 40 percent of students attending 21st Century Community Learning Center programs improved their reading and math grades and that those who attended more regularly were more likely to make gains. After-school programs can also provide tutoring, homework help, community service, music, arts, sports, and cultural activities that enrich students’ learning experiences.
Increasing Access
Unfortunately, many teens in under-funded school districts do not have access to after-school programs. This is due to a number of factors, including lack of funding, lack of transportation, and lack of awareness.
However, there are a number of organizations working to increase access to after-school programs for teens in under-funded school districts. These organizations include the Afterschool Alliance, the National Afterschool Association, and the Boys & Girls Club of America.
These organizations provide funding, technical assistance, and advocacy to help communities create and expand after-school programs. They also work to raise awareness of the benefits of after-school programs for teens.
The Necessity of After-School Programs
The need for after-school programs is especially great in under-funded school districts. These districts often have fewer resources than other districts, which can make it difficult for them to provide after-school programs. In addition, teens in under-funded school districts are more likely to come from low-income families. These families may not be able to afford to pay for after-school care, or they may not have the time to provide care themselves.
The benefits of after-school programs for teens in under-funded school districts are clear: these programs can help teens improve their academic performance and develop social-emotional skills.
In addition, after-school programs can provide a safe and supportive environment for teens. This can be especially important for teens who are at risk of dropping out of school or engaging in risky or antisocial behaviors.
Get Involved
If you are interested in getting involved in after-school programs, there are a number of things you can do. You can volunteer at an after-school program, donate to an organization that supports after-school programs, or advocate for increased funding for after-school programs.
Every child deserves access to a quality after-school program. By getting involved, you can help ensure that all teens have the opportunity to succeed.
Chicago Public Schools are failing to meet the needs of thousands of students. These students deserve better educational opportunities. After-school learning programs, like ours here at The News School on Chicago’s West Side, provide crucial benefits to teens in under-funded school districts. However, these programs need adequate funding and support to ensure their quality and availability for all students who need them.
Written by Seth Herlinger
Sources:
Chalkbeat Chicago: Advocates call on Illinois lawmakers to fund after-school programs after state error
Healthy City: The Benefit of After School Programs
Illinois Policy: TRAPPED IN CHICAGO’S WORST SCHOOLS: EDUCATION OUTCOMES IN CHICAGO’S LOWEST-PERFORMING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Texas Education Agency: After- or Extended-School Programs
Understood.org: 6 benefits of afterschool programs
Youth.gov: Benefits for Youth, Families, and Communities
All images courtesy of TNS Staff
