Providing an overview of some of the possibilities for enhancing education in afterschool programs, this manual provides ideas and strategies to help children and youth develop a love of learning and illustrates how much community youth development program experiences are vital to the educational growth and development of young people. Many of the New York City Beacons School-based Community Centers serve as examples of best practices in informal education. After an introductory section, sections in the manual are: "Why Beacons and Education?:"; "Literacy: What Is It and Why Is It Important?" (discussing principles of afterschool programs and core elements of literacy based programs); "Literacy Activities for the Afterschool" (discussing journal writing, thematic education, storytelling/drama, book buddies, and technology and education); "Making Literacy Links: Integrating Literacy into Existing Programs"; "Homework and Other Issues in Afterschool" (addressing funding and space for literacy programs, and putting more help in homework help); "Building Bridges: Fostering Learning at Home" (discussing getting the parent's ear and seven steps to encouraging learning at home); "So, How am I Doing?: Assessment"; and "Additional Resources" (presenting word attack games for 6-12 year olds, word games and literacy activities, guidelines for selecting bias free books, suggested books for read-alouds, and literacy training organizations and programs). (Contains 15 references.) (RS)