What is the relationship between community schools and after-school programs?
After-school programming is often a central component of, or step toward community schools. It is currently a driving force in the push to provide an array of services in schools, as public agencies and private foundations continue to allocate substantial resources. But, a community school is more than just an after-school program; it is a deliberate strategy by a school and a community to create lasting relationships to provide better services and opportunities so that, in the end, students learn more and learn better, families are stronger and communities are more engaged. Partners in community schools embody a rich mosaic of perspectives and experiences, but they share the mission of improving the lives of children, youth, families and the community. They work together strategically every step of the way in developing community schools – from identifying assets and needs to designing an array of programs and services that meet those needs to implementing programs and services and as
