Programs, after the regular school day is over, are important to the health and development of students. Students need to have somewhere to go before parents get home from work. There are quality programs in communities that serve students. Additionally, the school that students attend usually has a program built into the school day.
Programs that are beneficial to student growth focus on academic support and mentoring a positive mindset. Also, they include the arts, sports, recreational activities, and competitive activities for a student’s participation. Many programs are available within the community or the local school.
After School Programs Reap Rewards
Effective after-school programs provide many benefits to students. They support social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development. Also, they promote good behavior and reduce risky behavior. They promote good physical health and provide a safe environment for students.
Programs after school give students a sense of belonging. What’s more, children make new friends. In addition to new friends, many programs make learning fun. Some offer classes in science, computers, or robotics. Others offer classes in drama or music. They give students a chance to work in groups. Also, they bring out a child’s leadership skills.
Students get a chance to explore new activities that lead to new learning and interests. Therefore, these programs keep a child’s brain active. Thus, they engage and inspire future opportunities. Besides, they develop skills and talent that are not fully developed in the classroom.
The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center (NYVPRC) believes youth need after-school programs. They help students develop into responsible adults. The U.S. Department of Education shows that more self-confident students handle conflict better than students that are not involved in programs.
It doesn’t matter if the after-school program is for-profit or a volunteer church group. Organized activities for out-of-school time are valuable and have value in the lives of students. Youths are better off when they are engaged in activities with no time to just hang out unsupervised.
