Research on Older Youth

Measuring and Understanding Authentic Youth Engagement. Wu, et al. (2016)
Commonly described as youth-led or youth-driven, the youth-adult partnership (Y-AP) model has gained increasing popularity in out-of-school time (OST) programs in the past two decades. Unlike traditional OST programs, in which youth are viewed as service recipients, the Y-AP model emphasizes that youth serve in meaningful leadership roles in the organization or program. Studies show that programs using a Y-AP model have offered youth such diverse and meaningful roles as being youth council members, activity leaders, or program representatives in community events (Zeldin, Camino, & Mook, 2005). Afterschool Matters Journal. National Institute on Out of School Time. Read More

​Afterschool Innovations in Brief: Focusing on Older Youth (2009)
With support from MetLife Foundation, the Afterschool Alliance has published this compilation of four issue briefs examining critical issues facing older youth and the vital role afterschool programs play in addressing these issues. Download PDF

Afterschool: A Place for Older Youth to Mentor and Be Mentored (2009)
The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with MetLife Foundation, is proud to present the last of four issue briefs in this series examining critical issues facing older youth, and the vital role afterschool programs play in addressing these issues. This brief discusses the benefits of mentoring programs to mentors and mentees, the barriers to successful mentoring programs, and how afterschool programs can provide an ideal venue for older youth to mentor and be mentored. Download PDF

Afterschool: Providing Multiple Benefits to Middle School Students (2010)
Students in middle school (grades 6 through 8) face unique challenges as they transition from elementary school to high school. Some youth feel ready for more independence and autonomy, while others still desire the structure and nurturing environment found in elementary school. Regardless of where a child may be developmentally, these years are critical in keeping kids engaged in school and on the right path. Most middle school students are too young to work, and many feel that afterschool programs are designed for younger kids, and they are unwilling to participate. But they need a safe place to go, have fun, and learn. This MetLife Issue Brief provides an overview of middle school age youth and features afterschool programs that are helping them navigate these waters, preparing them for success in high school, college, and beyond. Learn More

Engaging Older Youth. Harvard Family Research Project (2010)
This new report, Engaging Older Youth, examines the program practices and structural features of almost 200 OST programs located across six diverse cities—Chicago, Cincinnati, New York, Providence, San Francisco, and Washington, DC—and primarily serving low-income youth. The report indentifies five OST program characteristics (two program practices and three structural features) that set apart the programs that were the most successful in supporting high retention.  Learn More

This Is Their House, Too: An Afterschool Space Designed for and by Teenagers. Harvard Family Research Project (2015)
In this case study, Deepa Vasudevan and Jessica Fei provide a portrait of the Everett Boys & Girls Club (BGC) and explore what makes the Everett BGC a successful place of learning and development for young people. They show that through “intentional informality,” the program develops spaces so that teenagers feel that they have room to be themselves while also knowing there are caring adults around them when they need guidance or mentorship. The case study concludes with takeaway practices for other practitioners to consider when designing programming for adolescents. Read More

Recruiting and Retaining Older Youth. Afterschool Alliance (2009)
The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with MetLife Foundation, is proud to present the first of four issue briefs in this series examining critical issues facing older youth and the vital role afterschool programs play in addressing these issues. This brief addresses the need for 21st century skills in our increasingly competitive labor market and examines how afterschool provides older youth with the opportunity to develop these skills. Read More

Youth Violence Prevention Strategies in Afterschool
Providing an outlet for positive self-expression, access to caring adult mentors, and a community of supportive peers has been proven to be a winning formula for curbing aggressive behavior and empowering youth to be agents of change in their communities. This webinar highlights specific violence prevention strategies and federal funding streams for violence prevention programs. Guest speakers discuss how to empower youth and encourage positive behaviors. Read More

Dropout Prevention

Preventing Dropouts: The Important Role of Afterschool (2013)
Although much progress has been made over the last decade -- with high school dropout rates decreasing to single digits nationally -- a significant gap still remains when looking at the graduation rates of students living in low-income communities, African-American and Latino students, students with limited English proficiency, and students with disabilities. Dropping out of school has significant consequences for a young person's future, affecting their ability to find a job, influencing how much they earn, increasing the likelihood of legal troubles, and impacting their future health. Afterschool programs are a proven intervention strategy to address the dropout risk factors and provide the necessary supports to students who are struggling. This issue brief highlights evidence of afterschool programs' effectiveness in addressing the dropout issue and makes the case for greater investment in afterschool programs. Download PDF

Afterschool: Providing a Successful Route to Credit Attainment and Recovery (2009)
Afterschool provides older youth with critical academic support including credit attainment and recovery opportunities. Many educators are turning to afterschool programs to reach students who fail one or more courses, become disengaged, or want alternatives to the traditional path to graduation. Download PDF

College and Career

Afterschool Alliance
Learn how quality afterschool programs for older youth can help them stay on track for success, teach life skills, and prepare them for college and the future workforce. Facts & Research - Afterschool for Older Youth  Learn More

My College Options
Developed by professionals with almost 40 years of experience in linking high school students with colleges and universities, My College Options® connects students to 2,000 colleges and universities nationwide. Their unique system of matching students with the colleges and universities that are right for them will play a large role in helping students reach their post-secondary goals. Learn More

​Afterschool and Workforce Development: Helping Kids Compete. Afterschool Alliance (2009)
The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with MetLife Foundation, is proud to present the first of four issue briefs in this series examining critical issues facing older youth and the vital role afterschool programs play in addressing these issues. This brief addresses the need for 21st century skills in our increasingly competitive labor market and examines how afterschool provides older youth with the opportunity to develop these skills. Read More

Afterschool: Supporting Career and College Pathways for Middle School-Age Youth (2011)
The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with MetLife Foundation, is proud to present the third of four issue briefs in this series examining critical issues facing middle school youth, and the vital role afterschool programs play in addressing these issues. This brief focuses on the importance of high school and postsecondary school completion for career readiness, and highlights the opportunities afterschool programs can provide to expose students to higher education options and career paths. Download PDF