after-school programs

In this brief, the American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF) summarizes how the organization collaborated with key stakeholders at the national, state, local, and institutional level to develop accountability systems for alternative education programs. AYPF outlines the seven lessons learned about what these settings do well, areas that need improvement, opportunities for innovation, and issues requiring further inquiry. (author abstract modified)

This brief from the American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF) presents three key lessons the organization has identified as critical to promoting pathways to postsecondary education, training, and careers for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, foster care, or both. These three lessons are leveraging authentic youth voice, providing youth with a wide range of comprehensive supports and transitional services, and strategically aligning youth-serving systems and policies. The brief includes best practice spotlights for each of the lessons learned.

This white paper is a collaboration of the Claremont Evaluation Center, Child Trends, and L.A.’s Best (a large afterschool program in Los Angeles) that sought to address the knowledge gap related to how afterschool practices can support positive youth development (PYD). The authors conducted a research review to show how afterschool programs can build protective and promotive factors associated with supporting PYD. The paper examines which outcomes are important to develop during childhood and adolescence, which protective and promotive factors support positive youth outcomes, and which evidence-informed practices show promise for afterschool programs. (author abstract modified)

In this brief, the American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF) presents three case studies of how states are dealing with accountability under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) among alternative education settings. These case studies demonstrate the different approaches developed in three states: Georgia, Louisiana, and Wyoming. AYPF published this as a complement to the earlier policy brief entitled, “Measuring Success: Accountability for Alternative Education.” (author abstract modified)

This fact sheet from the American Youth Policy Forum provides information for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners about federal legislation and grants related to systems-involved youth. In particular, the fact sheet focuses on supporting secondary, postsecondary, and workforce success among youth involved with the juvenile justice system, the child welfare system, or both. 

This brief from the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) summarizes key provisions in the McKinney-Vento Assistance Act regarding extracurricular activities for students experiencing homelessness. This resource discusses the requirements of providing transportation to and from these activities and strategies for funding transportation.

This brief from the Center for Promise at Boston University in collaboration with the Center for Optimized Student Support at Boston College provides an overview of how integrated student support (ISS) systems help promote academic success and improve life outcomes by removing barriers and coordinating services and resources. The brief provides policymakers and stakeholders at the state and local levels with policy recommendations and guidance about ISS for children, youth, and families. This brief includes examples of ISS systems implemented at state and local levels.

This white paper from the American Youth Policy Forum looks at how the workforce sector’s goal of developing a well prepared and highly skilled workforce aligns with the youth development field’s mission to help young people succeed. The authors discuss the need and benefits of aligning afterschool programs with workforce systems to improve employability outcomes for youth. The report includes case studies and considerations for community leaders who are interested in aligning youth and workforce development efforts. (author abstract modified)