ERIC Number: ED675427
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Jul
Pages: 44
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Educational Outcomes for Boys & Girls Club Members in California, 2021-22
Research for Action
In line with best practices for high-quality out-of-school time (OST) programming and youth development, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) programming focuses on the program environment, the establishment of positive relationships, opportunities for youth development, and opportunities for families to engage. Research has consistently shown that participation in high-quality OST programming, including BGCA, has a positive impact on a young person's social and emotional development, academic achievement, and engagement in risky behaviors. The overall aim of this study is to assess the educational outcomes of young people who participated in any of California's BGC programs. This study utilizes self-reported data from surveys of Club members but also triangulates self-reports with statewide administrative educational records, which are less prone to measurement error and bias. The study sample represents approximately one-quarter of total Club organizations and BGC members in California in 2021-22. In total, BGC participation data from 2021-22 was collected from 28% of Club organizations in California (36 out of 129), covering 26% of Clubs (234 out of 884). The statewide administrative records provided educational outcomes data for 17,856 members. Some key findings show that California Boys & Girls Clubs successfully promote participation among young people that closely match the socio-demographic characteristics of young people statewide. When comparing the educational outcomes of Club members to similar non-Club members, the results were mixed. Specifically, a higher proportion of non-Club members received high scores on standardized tests (state examinations in math and English). One outcome studied here that had a positive association with Boys & Girls Club participation was school attendance. In the exploratory analysis comparing data from the National Youth Outcomes Initiative to educational outcomes data reported by schools, mixed results were found.
Descriptors: Outcomes of Education, Youth Programs, Clubs, After School Programs, National Programs, Youth, Academic Achievement, Social Development, Emotional Development, Service Learning, Student Characteristics, Student Participation, Secondary School Students, Elementary School Students, Gender Differences, Racial Differences, Graduation
Research for Action. 100 South Broad Street Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Tel: 215-823-2500; Fax: 215-823-2510; e-mail: info@researchforaction.org; Web site: http://www.researchforaction.org
Publication Type: Reports - Research-practitioner Partnerships; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Secondary Education; Elementary Education; Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Research for Action (RFA); Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A