| Issue At Hand: After School Programs | | Print | |
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As a state, we have one of the largest percentages of dual-career
families[1], creating a real need for after-school engagement for youth.
United Way donor dollars fund multiple after-school programs that
provide a safe learning environment for kids K-12. Did you know? For K-12 youth, over 80% of the waking hours are spent out of school[2]. With so much free time, it's necessary to provide after school programs that engage youth through education and fun. The benefits of these programs have been proven to give kids a boost in their school performance and keep them from making poor choices. This week's Issue At Hand is After School Programs.
Why are after-school programs necessary? According to recent police statistics, the hours between 3-6 pm are peak periods for hazardous juvenile behavior like criminal activity, risky sexual behavior and alcohol/drug use[3][4]. Without these programs, the likelihood of youth participating in harmful behavior increases. In the Omaha area, problems with gang violence necessitate the use of after-school programs and activities to give kids the chance to avoid damaging their futures. After-school programs offer a large variety of engagement opportunities, from team sports to game rooms, technology education to homework assistance. United Way funded programs operated by Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Completely Kids and YMCA of Greater Omaha give kids from all backgrounds the chance to engage in meaningful activities in their free time. How do kids and teenagers benefit from after-school programs? According to the Afterschool Alliance, kids who took part in after-school programming saw benefits in one or more of the following areas[5]:
The longer kids stayed in these programs, the greater the benefits they received in the long run. By providing a supportive and structured environment, United Way funded programs help kids explore their interests and build upon their strengths which, in turn, benefits their future lives through continued success in education and personal growth. For more statistics on how these programs have benefited thousands of kids across the nation, visit: http://bit.ly/wTek77 Take a look inside some of the great program United Way donor dollars fund: COMPLETELY KIDS Their before- and after-school programs provide kids in various Omaha Public Schools with activities outside of the regular school day. They provide a safe learning environment that encourages kids to expand upon what they've learned during the school day. From basic math and spelling to computer exploration and group activities, these programs give kids the motivation to succeed in a fun environment.
KIDS CAN COMMUNITY CENTER Kids of all ages are bused into this community center, nestled in the 48th and Q Street neighborhoods. Tutoring and homework assistance are available for kids in a laid back learning environment.
GIRLS INCORPORATED OF OMAHA Math and science education for girls is the priority of this after-school program, operated by Girls Incorporated of Omaha. They begin with elementary age girls by using games, crafts and fun projects to inspire a love of math and science early on. As girls advance in school, the program builds upon what they're learning in school. BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF THE MIDLANDS Adequate technology skills are vital for a successful future in today's business world. Teaching kids basic computer skills is a central part of the education process at many Boys and Girls Clubs in the metro area. Inspiring kids to grow new interests: that's a central part of after-school programs in our community.
1 Cole, Jeff, Nebraska CLC Network. Out-of-School Time Matter$: Funding Omaha's Out-of-School Time Programs. Rep. Comp. Kristin Williams, The Sherwood Foundation. Omaha, 2012. Print.
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