Description: This book examines after-school programs in light of their explosive growth in recent years. In the rush to mount programs, there is a danger of promoting weak ones of little value and failing to implement strong ones adequately. But what is quality and how can it be achieved? This book presents findings from an intensive study of three after-school centers that differed dramatically in quality. Drawing from 233 site visits, the authors examine how - and why - young people thrive in good programs and suffer in weak ones. The book features engaging, in-depth case studies of each of the three centers and of six youths, two from each center. Written in a highly accessible style for academics, youth workers, after-school program leaders, and policy makers, the study breaks new ground in highlighting the importance of factors such as collective mentoring, synergies among different programs and activities, and organizational culture and practices. Guidelines are included for program improvement.
Brief description: Barton J. Hirsch is Professor of Human Development and Social Policy at Northwestern University. An internationally recognized authority on after-school programs and positive youth development, his earlier book, A Place to Call Home: After-School Programs for Urban Youth, won the Social Policy Award for Best Authored Book from the Society for Research on Adolescence.
Review Quotes: "This book does a superb job of showing us the difference between what high quality and low quality organizations for youth look like, from the inside out, from the administrative style of the director down to the smallest daily interactions between youth and staff."
- Reed Larson, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign