Factsheet | November 28, 2017

Keeping Students Engaged in Learning Afterschool

High-quality afterschool programs help keep students out of trouble during the prime time for juvenile crime

Juveniles are most likely to commit violent crimes during the hours immediately after the school day ends. High-quality afterschool programs such as the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLCs) provide students with safe learning environments during non-school hours. 21st CCLCs support non-school hour (includes after-school, before-school and summer) programs that focus on academics, enrichment activities, and other educational supports.

As of 2015, there were 10.2 million children in afterschool programs, 1.6 million of whom attended programs funded by 21st CCLC grants. Children served by CCLCs attend high-poverty, low performing schools in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and three territories.

After school programs are cost-effective and can provide a return of $3 to $13 dollars for every $1 invested as a result of higher incomes, higher taxes being paid and lower crime rates.

Research indicates that high-quality afterschool programs have short-term and long-term academic and behavioral benefits, including reduced crime. A meta-analysis of 75 studies and 68 afterschool programs across the country found significant improvements in students’ behavior in and outside of the classroom. The most effective programs incorporate sequenced, active, focused, and explicit (SAFE) practices.

High-quality afterschool programs reduce crime, improve behavior and academic outcomes and save money. This factsheet goes into further details on the importance of continuing to support high-quality afterschool programs.

States

  1. National