School Based After School Programs

Everybody wants to help keep kids safe and out of trouble when they get out of school, including the United States Government. The US Government actually sets aside funding each year to help finance some of these after school programs. In a report issued by the US Department of Education and Justice it is shown that these after school programs do what they were designed to do. Community members actually see that this is true and support providing school based after school programs for children.

There are many good reasons to support these school based after school programs. First, they give children a safe environment to go to when they are out of school before their parents get home from work. It also helps kids to socialize more because they are not sitting at home by themselves. When children are bored they often become mischievous and giving them something productive to do can cut down on negative behavior. However, the most important reason to support school based after school programs is to give children more opportunities to get help with their school work.

Studies have shown that children who come from low income families are behind in reading and grammar skills, especially after a long break during the summer. Other studies have shown that children who are left unsupervised after school have lower grades and are more likely to drop out of school. Therefore, the government provides funding to give rural and inner-city children a safe and drug free environment where they can go during the summer, on the weekends and after school.

In order to help these kids keep their grades up and not fall behind in their skills these school based after school programs focus on these critical skills. There are adults there to help them with math, reading, comprehension and problem solving. For kids who are preparing for college there are often helpful preparation activities provided. The kids often have access to technologies such as computers where they can use educational gaming software or get information off of the internet. There are also music and art programs available to the kids who are interested in that. Many kids in low income communities don't have access to these types of activities and to adults who want to help them succeed. These programs are so important in helping these kids to be successful in life.

Another important aspect of these school-based after school programs is that they often provide snacks and even dinner to many children. Children receive free or reduced price snacks if their school has applied to qualify. Each child pays according to the income that their parents make. However, many of these programs only apply to children 13 years and younger. But if a school can work with a non-profit organization they can help to get added funding that can provide snacks for children over the age of 13.