Perspectives Of Stakeholders Of An Afterschool Program In An At-promise Community

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Afterschool programs provide more than a supervised safe haven for children at the end of the school day and before parents return home from work. They can provide extended academic and enrichment activities for students who are “at-promise�? to succeed in their educational pursuit and human development. Based on the review of the literature on afterschool programs and theorists of human development, the following research question guided the investigation: What are the experiences of parents, teachers, and students of an afterschool program in an at-promise community? The participants in this study completed surveys, interviews, and shared personal stories which determined their perspectives of an afterschool program experience. Analysis of the data gathered demonstrated that the stakeholders in the afterschool program expressed that their lives were transformed in a positive manner since being affiliated with the afterschool program. The participants believe that an afterschool program that addresses participants’ needs in a holistic manner can alter the trajectory of the lives of children, youth, and families. On this basis, it is recommended that additional funding is needed to keep afterschool programs active as well as create more afterschool programs in at-promise communities throughout our nation.