Quality After School Programs Linked to Student Achievement

I’ve organized after-school programs and camps for YMCAs around New England for almost two decades. Beyond the Y’s high standards for what makes for a quality program, I’ve learned to trust my instincts for what will really resonate with kids. Above all, it has to be fun, and it helps when we have fun right alongside the kids.

A Harvard Family Research Project study confirms three principles that are always a part of every program that we put together for after-school programs in our Farmington Valley schools, including a new program that we’re looking to pilot later this year.

As the study notes, “children who attend these well-supervised after school programs display better work habits, task persistence, social skills, pro-social behaviors, academic performance and less aggressive behavior at the end of the school year.”

According to the Harvard study, the three critical factors for after-school programs to achieve successful outcomes for kids include:

1.)  Programs tailored to their interests, needs and schedules, and those providing exposure to new ideas, challenges and people.

2.)  Well-organized and engaging activities as part of intentionally-developed programs.

3.)  Strong partnerships with families, schools and communities.

The Farmington Valley YMCA is all about building strong partnerships and helping kids find what motivates them to learn. We’re working on developing a new program that we believe will deliver this and more to children at Canton Intermediate School.

The STEAM program, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math, will meet after school from 3-5 p.m. and you can choose whether you want to attend one, two or three days a week. If you are interested in learning more and in helping bring this program to town, please contact me at michael.garcia@ghymca.org or at 860.653.5524, ext 138.