The youth voice may soon play a greater role in discussions about after school and summer programs in Arkansas, thanks to stories collected by four Clinton School students this semester.
André Breaux of Lafayette, La., Marisa Nelson of Fort Smith, Ark., Lauren Remedios of Bangalore, India, and Neena Viel of Newburgh, N.Y., partnered with the Arkansas Out-of-School Network to research student views regarding afterschool and summer programs in the state. The Clinton School students spent the semester interviewing students statewide to express the youth voice and the public importance of out-of-school time programs.
Through this project, youth gave first-hand perspectives on the value of the programs they attend. The team researched the afterschool and summer program sector along with specific organizations to gain context for their narratives.
“Out-of-school time programs provide high-quality activities and supports during the after school hours and the summer, which keep kids safe, help working families and inspire kids to learn,” said Laveta Wills-Hale, network coordinator of the Arkansas Out-of-School Network. “After 20 years, there is a growing body of evidence that validates the impact high-quality learning experiences have on youth engagement and achievement. These narratives reflect the positive outcomes being achieved by these programs around the state.”
The Arkansas Out of School Network will submit the stories for inclusion in the Mott Foundation’s Statewide Afterschool Network publications and resources and for future publication in the foundation’s Compendium of Expanded Learning Opportunities.
The project will add the youth voice to the public dialogue on funding and other issues related to out-of-school time programs. By offering a human face to the policy context, the narratives will help key decision-makers better relate to the experience of youth.
The students completed the project as part of the Clinton School Practicum program, which sends students into the field to complete a comprehensive public service project as part of the Master of Public Service degree program.
About the Arkansas Out-of-School Network:
Arkansas Out-of-School Network’s (AOSN) mission is to create safe, healthy, and enriching experiences for Arkansas youth during out-of-school time. Under the auspices of Arkansas State University’s Childhood Services, AOSN works to expand a coalition of strategic partners, strengthen and develop afterschool policies, and enhance stakeholder relationships to support programs within the network.
More information about AOSN is available at: www.aosn.org.
Responses