What Makes a Quality After-School Program for Preteens?
May 6, 2008 Contact: JoAnna Caywood, Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, (650) 724-1618, joanna.caywood@lpfch.org. PALO ALTO, Calif. – Six guiding principles for creating high quality after-school programs to serve preteens are outlined in a just-released report commissioned by the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. The report was written by Public/Private Ventures (P/PV), a national nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the effectiveness of social policies and programs. P/PV based its recommendations on the latest research on after-school programs and its experience with such programs, including some funded by the foundation. Research has shown that 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. are the peak hours for youth to be involved in crime, smoke, drink or do drugs. Quality after-school programs not only help keep preteens out of trouble, but also help them develop in positive ways, such as improving their health habits, decision-making skills, and relationships with adult
