New Report: Benefits of Expanded Learning Opportunities for Older Youth

Posted by on June 29, 2009

We are pleased to announce the release of a new American Youth Policy Forum publication, Learning Around the Clock:  Benefits of Expanded Learning Opportunities for Older Youth, which profiles 22 programs that provide quality expanded learning opportunities (ELOs) for older youth. This publication is currently available on our website and a hard copy of the compendium is on its way to you as a small token of our appreciation for all the work you do to ensure the healthy development and success of our young people and for your support of AYPF.  The complete report, along with the Executive Summary, is now available on our website at http://www.aypf.org/publications.

Learning Around the Clock: Benefits of Expanded Learning Opportunities for Older Youth provides evidence that ELOs improve academic performance, college and career preparation, social and emotional development, and health and wellness for youth.  Expanded learning opportunities encompass a range of programs and activities available to young people that occur beyond regular school hours and include traditional afterschool activities with an academic focus, but also activities such as internships with employers, independent study in alternative settings, classes on college campuses for high school students, and wraparound support services.

This report summarizes 22 evaluations of high-quality ELOs to give policymakers and practitioners a quick understanding of the research findings on effective programs, along with a description of why these programs work.  The report describes key program elements that lead to successful outcomes, such as experiential learning, high-quality staff with ongoing professional development, student-centered programming, and supportive adult and peer-to-peer relations.  The report also provides recommendations for policymakers to support ELOs by developing shared accountability systems; supporting partnerships and collaboration across systems; focusing on quality by building capacity; ensuring equity and access for youth; improving data collection, evaluation, and research; and ensuring the sustainability of ELOs.

The complete report is available online at www.aypf.org/publications.  To order a hard copy of Learning Around the Clock:  Benefits of Expanded Learning Opportunities for Older Youth, please contact AYPF at 202-775-9731 or email aypf@aypf.org.