An after-school program is a well-organized event for the youth who wish to indulge in some fun and interesting activities after their regular school timings. Unlike the traditional schools, the After School Programs work differently.
Most of these programs are run by a primary or secondary school and aim at developing the overall personality of the students. These programs do not necessarily take place within the closed walls of your school but can be conducted in a community center, church, library, or even a park
#1. After School Programs Benefits
1. Attending afterschool programs can improve the student’s academic performance.
2. An effective afterschool program can help in improving the student’s classroom behavior.
3. Admission to an afterschool program can guarantee a reduction in drug use (the poor kid wouldn’t get the time for it)
4. Afterschool programs can be influential in encouraging increased physical activity and healthy dietary habits.
5. Afterschool programs can lead to positive health outcomes, especially by reducing obesity
6. After-school programs are beneficial for working families and parents with businesses because they ensure the safety of their kids in their absence. Parents who missed their offices for eight days per year on an average can stop worrying now.
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#2. After School Programs Jobs
The scope of getting a decent and well-paid job increases if you have participated in the afterschool programs. It is so because students who attended these programs have shown better results in terms of mannerism, confidence, and academics as well.
1. Academic Achievement
After school programs positively affect your academic achievement. These programs aim at improving the test scores for elementary and middle-school students. The programs fill the students with opportunities for learning new skills through hands-on experiential training. They offer academic support to improve academic performance by combining them with development activities. Their academic support includes engaging, fun, and structured extracurricular or co-curricular activities.
2. Social and Emotional Development
Afterschool Programs put an intentional focus on refining the social and personal skills (like self-esteem and self-confidence) of the students enrolled. The group session that they conduct helps in improving their body language, assertiveness, self-efficacy, and self-liking.
3. Reduces The Chances Of Unsafe Behaviors
The hours after school (between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.) give an opportunity to the students to get involved in juvenile crime, sexual activity, and drug and alcohol abuse. Afterschool programs have shown positive impacts on juvenile delinquency and have been helpful in reducing pregnancies, teen sex, and use of marijuana.
4. Health and Wellness
The afterschool programs have addressed the growing problem of obesity among children and youth and have made a prominent contribution in the same. They have promoted healthy lifestyles by spreading knowledge about exercise and nutrition.
(Image Courtesy: TeachersNightOut (TNO) NYC)
#3. After School Programs Near Me
If you do not have any After School Programs near your place then:
1. Ask a teacher or principal at your school to arrange for an afterschool program.
2. Talk to other parents, guardians, and grandparents who might have some idea.
3. Call or email your local child care resource and referral office.
4. Look for them at community centers, settlement houses, community learning centers, full-service schools, museums, and libraries. Community arts councils and youth employment programs might also offer these programs.
5. Contact the community organization to enquire for the same. Some of them are:
- YMCA
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- Camp Fire USA
- Park & Recreation Department
- Churches and mosques
- After School All Stars
(Image Courtesy: Magic Jump Rentals)
Do you think that Afterschool Programs are beneficial for the students? Let us know in the comment section below.
(Featured Image Courtesy: YWCA)
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