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After‐School Program Implementation in Urban Environments: Increasing Engagement Among Adolescent Youth
Author(s) -
Pelcher Allison,
Rajan Sonali
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12411
Subject(s) - staffing , youth engagement , psychology , inclusion (mineral) , medical education , adolescent health , medicine , public relations , political science , nursing , social psychology
BACKGROUND After‐school programs ( ASPs ) play a crucial role in supplementing the present school day. However, implementing ASPs in the urban environment and among adolescents (grades 6‐12) poses unique challenges. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review to identify evidence‐based barriers and facilitators to after‐school programming in urban school environments. METHODS Twenty‐five publications meeting the authors' inclusion criteria over the past 10 years were reviewed and synthesized. RESULTS Results demonstrated that the demand for ASPs is increasing. Several barriers, including staffing, funding, resources, transportation, and space, were identified. Specific challenges regarding the implementation of ASPs for adolescents in urban areas were also determined. A number of best practices were identified along with benefits for academic engagement and social‐emotional coping skill development. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to address these specific barriers and facilitators to ASP implementation may contribute to improving broader health and academic outcomes among adolescent youth.