Although businesses and schools make unnatural partners, Stamford, Connecticut's business community is reaching out to disadvantaged youth. GE Capital Services focused on a pen-pal program to improve students' writing skills. Pitney Bowes created an afterschool tutoring/social-support program for neighborhood kids that dramatically boosted reading…

Recounts author's experiences over a two-year period in addressing the emotions and actions of nondisabled children in an after-school program toward a child with Downs syndrome. Discusses efforts to enhance children's understanding and compassion, share their feelings about their disabled peer, and encourage the child's participation. (KB)

Studied the extent to which types of after-school care in grades one, three, and five predict behavioral adjustment and academic performance in grade six. Found that higher amounts of self care predicted poorer adjustment, particularly for children displaying behavior problems in kindergarten or not participating in adult-supervised…

The relationship between participation in extracurricular activities and academic achievement was examined. Black eighth graders and white eighth graders completed achievement tests and described school and nonschool activities. Amount of participation was positively related to academic achievement. The relationship was stronger for white students…

Describes two curriculum experiments involving New York City Puerto Rican children and Danish Palestinian boys, examining a pedagogic approach that relied on Vygotsky's zone of proximal development, noting how this approach was applied to take into account cultural and social differences within and between ethnic groups, and discussing how the…

Describes a community peer participation, alcohol prevention program designed to prevent or delay alcohol use among young adolescents. Groups of students from 20 Minnesota schools planned supervised, alcohol-free activities. Program goals included peer leadership, social support for nondrinking, creating opportunities for alternative behaviors,…

A rural community established an after-school child care program by forming a community coalition, acquiring funding, obtaining space, and arranging for children's transportation. The program enriched the quality of life for children, parents, and staff. Children's grades improved and the number of mothers satisfied with child care services…

Outlines five facilities considerations that school principals need to address prior to the installation of an integrated learning system (ILS): (1) placement, i.e., labs or classrooms; (2) wiring; (3) environment, including furniture and noise; (4) security, including fire, theft, vandalism, and misuse; and (5) usability, including afterschool…

Aided by funding from public agencies, private foundations, and corporate giving, a previously neglected conservatory on Chicago's west side is introducing inner-city students to plants and nature through after school programs, summer day camps, and field trips. Community revitalization efforts include a demonstration garden and assistance with…

Children who attended the Fifth Dimension after-school computer club at least 10 times during the 1994-95 school year performed better on word problem comprehension tests than did non-participating children. Results support the hypothesis that experience in using computer software in the Fifth Dimension club produces measurable, resilient, and…

The standards movement and family work schedules are major factors underpinning the expansion of extended learning opportunities. A recent report by the Council of Chief State School Officials details the development of afterschool and other programs in California, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Texas. (MLH)

Highlights a research and development project for discussion of policy and practice issues arising from expansion of out-of-school child care and study support services. Suggests that government policy raises questions about siting, staffing, coordination, and costs of future services; and that fundamental questions exist about how children spend…

Describes a program of the California Western School of Law to encourage inner city high school students to aspire to higher education and possibly law school. The young students, usually about 25, attend weekly sessions at the law school where law students lead such activities as role-playing job interviews, a mock criminal trial, and analysis of…

This report summarizes short-term impacts of the Quantum Opportunity Program (QOP) demonstration, which helped at-risk high school-age youth graduate and enroll in postsecondary education or training. QOP involved intensive case management and mentoring emphasizing after school supplemental academic education, developmental activities, and…

This paper presents the case of a service-learning art experience in an after-school housing development program. Beginning with a dialogue concerning peace and how it can become part of their world, children and pre-service teachers explored and connected the idea of peace through symbols, metaphor and idealism in works of art. A critical and…