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21st Century Community Learning Centers across the state served almost 7,000 students who participated in 396,739 hours of activities during the fall 2021 semester. Almost half (49 percent) of all participants earned a B or better during the first grading period in both math and English/reading. In evaluators’ preliminary findings, they noted that there were, “substantial gains in students’ English/Reading scores” comparing the first two grading periods during the 2021-22 school year.
A 2022 evaluation of South Carolina’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program found that there was a positive impact on academic and behavioral outcomes among students regularly attending the program compared to their non-participating peers and students who attended programming less regularly, with greater gains associated with higher levels of program participation. Regular program participants performed better on state standardized tests in math and saw reductions in unexcused absences and disciplinary incidents. Teacher surveys revealed that regular attendees needing improvement showed growth in their academic performance, class participation, homework completion, motivation to learn, interaction with others, and classroom behavior.
Nebraska’s 21st CCLC programming resulted in positive outcomes for students despite challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most students participating in the 21st CCLC programs saw moderate to significant improvement in math (75 percent), science (74 percent), reading (74 percent), and writing (69 percent) from the fall to the spring. Additionally, a majority of students saw improvement in their behavior (61 percent) and ability to get along with other students (56 percent), based on teacher surveys. Many students reported that their programs help them learn new things (81 percent), and parents overwhelmingly agreed that afterschool programs were a benefit to their children.
This study found that students who participated in the Sacramento 4-H Water Wizards program from 2012-2016 had a better understanding of water science and a heightened awareness of water issues and conservation behavior. Program staff reported a higher level of understanding around content knowledge (different aspects of water science) and teaching pedagogy (teaching science in an inquiry-based way), as well as increased enjoyment of science. Evaluators found that including training sessions, teaching materials, and coaching opportunities throughout the program for staff helped contribute to the program's success, and 80 percent of staff said they would teach the program again.
This study focused on 978 participants who were part of a longitudinal study and followed from ages 15 to 26, finding that how high schoolers spend their time during out-of-school time hours is predictive of substance use in young adulthood. The analysis found that unsupervised out-of-school time with peers during high school was highly related to problematic substance use–such as binge drinking, regular marijuana use, and illicit drug use– in adulthood, while participation in organized activities in high schools, such as arts, academic clubs, and community service, served as a protective function against illicit drug use, reducing the likelihood that these students would engage in drug use at age 26.
A 2022 evaluation of Delaware’s 21st CCLC programs found positive impacts related to participants’ academic performance and engagement as well as students’ interpersonal skills and behavior. Students, parents, and staff overwhelmingly agreed that afterschool program participation helped students improve their academic skills, and 9th-12th grade students reported feeling more connected to their school because of their program. The majority of students also reported feeling cared for and safe within their programs while also indicating that their program provides opportunities for them to develop life skills, including college and career readiness. The majority of teachers and parents reported a reduction in students’ behavioral problems as a result of participation in their 21st CCLC program
This addendum to an earlier evaluation of North Dakota’s 21st CCLC results for the 2021-2022 school year shows statistically significant improvements in participating students’ academic engagement and performance, attendance, and behavior. Compared to non-participants, 21st CCLC participants improved their English language arts test scores, daily attendance, and engagement in learning while also decreasing their suspension rates. This evaluation addendum highlights the in-school impact of 21st CCLC programming in North Dakota.
This statewide evaluation of Florida’s 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) programs during the 2018-19 school year finds that program participants improved in academic performance and positive school behaviors. On a scale that ranged from 1 (“declined”) to 3 (“improved”), teachers report that students improved their class behavior (3.0), motivation to learn (2.96), homework completion (2.95), and academic performance (2.91). Students agree that their programs help them to solve problems in a positive way (2.68) and get along with others (2.58). They also report that the programs have adults who care about them (2.8) and make them feel safe (2.77), with 1 corresponding to “not at all” and 3 corresponding to “definitely.”
A statewide evaluation of Indiana’s 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) programs finds that higher levels of participation in the afterschool program is associated with improved academic performance and school-related behaviors. More than 7 in 10 students with high program participation (90+ days) maintained a B or higher in math (73 percent) and English language arts (72 percent), higher than students attending less frequently. Students who attend 21st CCLC programs at high levels also have higher school day attendance and lower suspension rates. In addition, teachers report that a majority of students in need of improvement improved their academic performance (73 percent), class participation (64 percent), and classroom behavior (57 percent).
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The Afterschool Impacts Database is a project of the Afterschool Alliance.
The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs.
Afterschool Impacts Database