High-quality afterschool, summer, and other out-of-school-time (OST) programs can benefit young people. However, according to a report from the Afterschool Alliance, more than three in four young people are missing out on participating in afterschool programs. Young people from marginalized backgrounds in particular have less access to—and engagement with—OST programs than others. This experience was more common for Black, Hispanic, and Native American youth than for white youth.
Accessibility, however, is only part of the issue. For youth to stay involved, programs need to offer the kinds of experiences that cater to participants’ interests with cultural competency.
In 2022, Wallace commissioned a study to learn more about challenges in the out-of-school-time field and possible solutions. The researchers sought to determine what keeps youth coming back to OST programs through an equity lens. What unconscious biases did staff hold? How were programs designed or led to cater to certain participants and not others?
As part of that research, a team of 11 high school and college students surveyed and held focus groups with other adolescents.
The team’s findings are described in this companion brief.
The young people in the focus groups pinpoint factors that enhance programming, including:
- A sense of community and a non-cliquish atmosphere
- Interesting and useful experiences. These include opportunities the teens might not otherwise have, such as internships, skill-building, and public speaking.
- The opportunity to have their voices heard and to take on leadership roles
The youth researchers also make a number of recommendations for OST leaders in order to bring stronger programs and encourage attendance, such as:
- Eliminating discriminatory behaviors by program staff members and participants
- Ensuring programs have the resources to reduce participation barriers such as program fees and lack of transportation
- Inviting young people to work alongside program staff to make decisions about OST program content and practices
Interested in learning more? Wallace’s three-part Beyond the Classroom podcast series features conversations with the youth researchers and OST practitioners, delving deeper into the team’s findings and suggestions for making programming more equitable.
