The researchers carried out their study with a social justice perspective. They conducted a review of pertinent research from the past 20 years. They interviewed almost 60 experts in out-of-school-time research, policy, and practice. They held seven focus groups with professionals in the field. And they launched a research project about youth perspectives on program equity and access. This was carried out by high school and college students. 

To frame the study, the team conducted a review of the research on OST programs’ work with historically marginalized young people from the past 20 years. They interviewed 58 experts in OST research, policy, and practice. These included program leaders and staff from all regions of the country; scholars with backgrounds in education, social work, sociology, learning sciences, and urban planning; and policy influencers and professional development specialists connected to OST systems, networks, and state and local intermediary organizations. Additionally, the team conducted seven focus groups with an additional sample of 35 OST professionals devoted to specific topics and populations (e.g., programming for LGBTQIA+ youth or young people from immigrant backgrounds). 

The team’s research focused on examining how structural inequality has shaped OST programs, ideas for addressing inequities pertaining to race, social class, citizenship, gender, sexuality, and ability, and core features of high-quality programming for marginalized youth. The team also recruited and paid a team of youth researchers to design a separate study of youth perspectives on equity and access.