The Promise of Afterschool Programs for Promoting School Connectedness

Research documents the importance of school connectedness for promoting positive youth development, academic achievement, and overall school success (see Monahan el al., this issue). Given these benefits, a host of in-school evidence-based strategies for creating school connectedness exist (Blum, 2005; Waters et al., 2009). At the same time, afterschool programs and other activities outside of the school day also promote school connectedness and other positive youth development outcomes (Anderson-Butcher, in press; Eccles et al., 2003; McNecly et al., 2002; Thompson et al., 2006; Watts et al., 2008). In order to maximize the contributions of afterschool programs, it is helpful to understand the various program qualities that foster school connectedness. This article highlights research conducted with 21 afterschool programs operating in central Ohio (see Anderson- Butcher, Midle, Fallara, & Cash, 2004). Findings from this research point to key design features and qualities that can be put in place in afterschool programs to enhance school connectedness.