Impact

Why are after school programs vital for Chicago’s youth?

After school programs keep kids out of trouble and on track for success.

CBT believes it is imperative that education and youth development continue even after the school day is over. After-school hours can be incredibly dangerous for youth in the city. Studies, like the After School Alliance, show that 15.1 million youth nationwide care for themselves during the gap after school and before their parents get home from work. This gap represents peak time for committing crimes, engaging in sexual activity, and experimenting with illegal substances.

After school programs provide extra learning opportunities to help boost GPAs and test scores.

CBT knows that homework help and mentorship is important for students to perform well in the classroom. Studies show that students participating in high quality afterschool programs go to school more often and exhibit better behavior; they also receive higher grades and test scores compared to students who do not attend afterschool programs.

After school programs keep students safe while parents are at work.

Due to elective class budget cuts in the educational system, the current recession, and all time high poverty rates, after-school programs are key to providing a safe haven and further educational enrichment to today’s youth. According to the After School Alliance, 55% of Chicago high school students claim that there are no safe places to go after the school day is over.

Sources:
“Afterschool and Working Families in Wake of the Great Recession” 2011. Afterschool Alliance, Issue Brief No. 48 (http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/issue_48_economy.cfm)

“Surveys and Polls Show Strong Support for Afterschool” Afterschool Alliance. (http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/Surveys%20and%20Polls%20Show%20Strong%20Support%20for%20Afterschool%20_8202009.pdf)\