Program Planning
Number of unique resources found: 40
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Promising Practices in Afterschool System (PPAS)
Description: The Promising Practices in Afterschool (or "PPAS") System is an effort to find and share things that are working in afterschool programs. The PPAS website is for afterschool program directors who want to improve the quality of their programs.
– Evaluation –
Economic Impact of Communities in Schools
Description: In May 2012, Communities In Schools released the results of an economic impact study conducted by EMSI, one of the nation’s leading economic modeling firms. The purpose of the study was to quantify the return on investment of Communities In Schools’ 113 high school-serving affiliates in its network to taxpayers, businesses, and students.
Harnessing Technology in Out-of School Time Settings
Description: This article from Harvard Family Research Project reviews the role of technology in out-of –school time programs. It highlights the evaluation methods and findings about implementation and youth outcomes of several programs that utilize technology. The article indicates that there are four primary approaches used to integrate technology into programs supporting learning and development: 1) Using software packages for educational remediation and skill building; 2) Integrating technology and multimedia into project-based learning; 3) Creating community technology centers; and 4) Providing technology-focused mentoring and career development opportunities.
Why conduct Program Evaluation? Five Reasons Why Evaluation Can Help An Out-Of-School Time Program
Description: This brief discusses five reasons for doing program evaluation. Additional resources are provided to design and implement an evaluation.
– General Information –
4-H Meeting the Need - Showcasing Successful 4-H Military Partnership Programs 
Author: Pointer, Germaine (1 more by this author); Mary Jo Williams; Brooke Boswell; DeAnn Acosta; John Baggott
Description: This is a PowerPoint Presentation from the DoD USDA Family Resilience Conference Workshop in 2011. Did you know young people on installations worldwide are pledging their heads, hearts, hands and health to better living for their club, community, county and world? Research-based programs and curricula are helping build resilience in our military children. Whether you have a desire to serve military children or are already working with them, this workshop will inspire you.
Effectiveness Matters: Using Evidence-based Programs
Author: Perkins, Daniel (17 more by this author)
Description: The objective of this presentation is to help participants understand what evidence-based programs are, where you can find them, how to sustain them, and maintaining their quality. Specific issues exploredinclude: the differences among effective, promising and evidence-based programs, chosing an evidence-based program, and strategies to increase the likelihood of success and long-term sustainability. The presentation also looked at recommended curricula and programs reviewed by the National 4-H Healthy Living Mission Mandate Taskforce.
Helping Our Children Succeed: What's Broadband got to do with it?
Author: KirkHart, April; Wendy Lazarus; James Lau
Description: This issue brief is designed to help leaders for children better understand what broadband is and what is at stake for our nation's 73 million children in the policy debate, and to offer concrete ways that leaders can make children's needs a priority and advocate for digital opportunities for all youth.
– Other Resources –
Beyond academic measures: The value of measuring other aspects of thriving
Author: Smith, Chris; Elizabeth Devaney
Description: This symposium focuses on how to assess important non-academic outcomes such as the impact of programs on youths' engagement in their own learning, their socio-emotional development, and whether they are thriving, contributing, and able to navigate effectively. Our speakers examine how systems in Boston and Providence have studied such outcomes while engaging people in Minnesota who are thinking about these issues.
This event is presented in cooperation with St. Paul’s new Sprockets network.
Engaging older youth in out-of-school time: Applying research to practice
Author: Little, Priscilla (6 more by this author)
Description: This presentation describes promising research-based practices in working with middle and high school youth in out-of-school time (OST) programs, examining what programs can do to support participation, engagement, and positive outcomes. Given the recent growth of city-and state-level OST systems, the presentation also includes a discussion of the potential role of OST systems in supporting effective youth programming.
Ensuring Quality Across Out-of-School Programs and Systems
Author: Weiss, Heather (5 more by this author)
Description: What does it take to implement quality programming? It's often related to organizational mission, structure, resource base and geographical location. Successful approaches to ensuring program quality frequently rely on strategically aligning unique features of respective programs and delivery systems to achieve quality results.
Hot Topic: Expanding Learning Opportunities
Author: Reilly, Jackie (8 more by this author)
Description: There is a movement among afterschool programs and their supporters that you may be interested in. "Expanded learning opportunities" is a means to make the most of the out-of-school-time for youth of all ages. Positive, engaged learning in afterschool has shown tremendous potential to provide rich, hands-on learning experiences and make an impact on youth skills, abilities and success in school and life. Learn more at the links provided including The Expanded Learning & Afterschool Project: Affordable, Sustainable Approaches Powered by School-Community Partnerships.
In Pursuit of Effective Best Practices for Out-of-School Time
Author: Granger, Robert (1 more by this author)
Description: Why do some out-of-school programs improve youth outcomes while others do not? What practices seem to make a difference? What are the implications for improving program quality? Bob Granger discusses what is known about these questions, drawing on research in K-12 education, mentoring, and after-school.
Natural Spaces: A place for positive youth development webinar
Author: Meyer, Rebecca
Description: Research suggests that involving youth with nature can positively impact their health, well-being, sense of place and community. This webinar will explore the role of natural space and how to utilize it for effective positive youth development; it will include a focus on creating positive development experiences with nature during out of school time. Interactions in and with nature are instinctive for children and youth, and provide a strong foundation for supporting nature-engaged families. Participants will overview relevant research and explore strategies for nature-related youth programming.
– Professional Development –
STEM-rich learning in Out-of-School-Time
Description: This archived webinar was sponsored by the CYFERnet SchoolAge Editorial Board in March 2013. Do you offer STEM learning activities in your out-of-school-time program? Or are you nervous about providing these activities? Does your staff know how to provide STEM-rich learning? Do you want to provide STEM-rich learning opportunities in your program or train your staff to provide STEM-rich learning opportunities? This webinar will focus on how to train staff, key components of STEM-rich learning and STEM curricula to use in out-of-school-time programs.
Author: Fogarty, Kate (1 more by this author); Alex Diaz (University of Florida)
Description: Yoga is a great form of physical and mental exercise for anyone. However, children can also greatly benefit from youth yoga programs. Yoga can help increase strength, flexibility, coordination, self-esteem, stamina, and confidence among children. Yoga is also an alternative that allows children to participate in a non-competitive, relaxing physical fitness program. The presenters discuss the process of implementing and evaluating a yoga fitness and nutrition 4-H youth program in afterschool setting in Miami-Dade, Florida.
– Programming Resource –
4-H Military Club Meetings Made Easy: Iron Skillet "Club in a Tub"
Author: Rose, Maureen; Brian Helms; Easter Tucker
Description: This was a presentation at the 2011 DoD/USDA Family Resilience Conference. Looking for new ways to deliver the 4-H Club experience to military kids, wherever they live? Eager to simplify 4-H leader recruitment for these clubs? Learn about Iron Skillet, a "Club in a Tub" program developed in Arkansas as a Military 4-H Club/ EFNEP collaboration. Participants will prepare a recipe, design an iron skillet lesson, and plan for leader recruitment.
A Practitioner's Guide: Building and Managing Quality Afterschool Programs
Description: A Practitioner's Guide: Building and Managing Quality Afterschool Programs shares practices that can help extended-learning professionals cover it all—great programming, terrific staff, positive relationships, and plenty of resources to lead and sustain successful afterschool programs. The practices are organized into the following four focus areas: program organization; academic programming practices; supportive relationships in afterschool; and, achieving program outcomes.
Afterschool Advantage: Powerful New Learning Opportunities
Description: This compilation of strategies is a guide for building quality afterschool programs, covering a range of issues including arts, technology and entrepreneurship.
Building Capacity in Military-Connected Schools: Research and Application
Author: Astor, Ron
Description: This workshop describes a Department of Defense Education Activity partnership between eight schools districts and the University of Southern California. The partnership created a state wide military-connected school anonymous survey for students, school staff and parents. These collective voices are used to improve school climate and student needs. USC Masters of Social Work (MSW) students are trained to work in military connected schools. (Presented at the 2011 DoD/USDA Family Resilience Conference).
Description: Information and strategies related to common core state standards and afterschool programs
Description: This brief explores ways to strengthen expanded learning opportunities (ELOs) by building their connection to the Common Core State Standards Initiative (Common Core). The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is interested in both efforts and wants to support states in maximizing their impact to ensure the success of all learners.
Enhancing Youth Resilience through Positive Sibling Relations: A Powerful Influence
Author: Feinberg, Mark; Susan McHale
Description: Mark Feinberg and Susan McHale, Sibling relationships are often neglected, but research indicates that siblings are powerful influences on children's well-being (self-esteem, depression), academic performance, and behavior problems (aggression, delinquency, substance use). Sibling support can help children weather stress and difficulties in other areas of life. This presentation introduces a framework for understanding sibling relations and selected practical tools from a sibling relationship enhancement program.
Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development
Description: The 4-H Essential Elements Program Planning Tool! The goal of this tool is to help 4-H volunteers and staff to assess and improve their current ability to create with young people opportunities for positive youth development.
Description: Expanded learning adds time for learning and enrichment that complements the school day. It incorporates learning that is hands-on, engaging and helps children and youth gain the skills and knowledge they need for success in school and life.
Funding Global Learning in Out-of-School Time
Description: A publication to support afterschool program leaders in finding funding and designing sustainable programs that support global programming.
Helping Our Children Succeed: What's Broadband got to do with it?
Author: KirkHart, April; Wendy Lazarus; James Lau
Description: This issue brief is designed to help leaders for children better understand what broadband is and what is at stake for our nation's 73 million children in the policy debate, and to offer concrete ways that leaders can make children's needs a priority and advocate for digital opportunities for all youth.
Author: Acosta, DeAnn; Mary Jo Williams; Mark Otto
Description: Do you work with Before and After School programs or other youth organizations? Do you need some ideas and resources for teaching science to middle school youth or helping staff better understand adolescents? Join the 4-H/Army Youth Development Project Team to learn how you and your organization can utilize programs and curricula developed through the 4-H and Army partnership.
Mission Possible: Navigating The Needs of Military Youth Through a Day Camp
Author: Quamme, Susan; Carrie Knutson; Stacy Wendt
Description: Implement a dynamic day camp using a framework based on principles of quality youth programs and the essential elements of youth development. OMK resources will be used to create a fun learning environment, in a format that is mobile and easy to replicate. An interactive session will include hands on activities, handouts and more that is sure to inspire you.
Participation Over Time: Keeping Youth Engaged from Middle School to High School
Description: The article sheds light on how a set of school- and community-based programs with high rates of participation address adolescents' developmental needs and how these programs change their strategies to support adolescents over time.
Author: Ripberger, Chad
Description: Participants will learn about the newly developed Promising Practices Guide for 4-H Science in Urban Communities, created as part of the three-year National 4-H Science in Urban Communities initiative. Authors and featured 4-H professionals will showcase promising practices in the areas of partnerships, resource development, staffing, and recognition for 4-H Science programming for underserved/underrepresented urban youth.
Speak Out for Military Kids - Successful Retreats
Author: Runke, Amber (1 more by this author); Madeson Walgenbach; Laura Pettersen; Kia Harries
Description: The Minnesota Speak Out for Military Kids Team has had great success in holding SOMK Retreats. Come to this workshop to receive copies of promotional materials and schedules as well as tips and best practices for what has worked in Minnesota. Also hear from Wisconsin adults and teens about their experience implementing SOMK Retreats
The Untold, Continuing (and Rest of the) Story about the CITY Project
Author: Giarratano, Vicki; Kelly Mabee; Jackie Davis-Manigaulte ; Michele Luc; June P. Mead
Description: Through poetry, music, magazines and videos, learn how the CITY Project transformed teens living in poverty into college students with bright futures. See how the wisdom of an ancient Chinese philosopher guided the program: “Go to the people. Live with them. Learn from them. Love them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. But of the best leaders, when the job is done, the task accomplished, the people will say, ‘We have done it ourselves’.”
Description: This toolkit is intended to provide resources for city agencies, school districts, intermediaries and other organizations interested in implementing or strengthening city-wide expanded learning opportunities, as well as state agencies and Statewide Afterschool Networks designing multi-city initiatives. These tools can guide such agencies as they develop plans for afterschool, summer learning and expanded learning time initiatives in their communities.
– Research –
Description: This study examined the relationship between the leadership skills of adult community leaders in rural Montana and their participation in 4-H as youth.
A Profile of the Research Study of Rural After-School Programs for At-Risk Youth and Their Families
Description: This study focused on afterschool programs in two rural counties in a Western state. Both programs offer recreational opportunities, homework assistance, creative arts, and computer literacy activities, with the aim of helping youth gain knowledge and skills that will improve attitudes and behaviors necessary to become contributing community members.
Guide to Evidence and Innovation
Description: Are you struggling with how to select and implement evidence-based strategies? The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs has launched a new website, A Guide to Evidence and Innovation, which can help. Find evidence-based program directories, hear from experts in the field, learn more about the stages of implementation, and find relevant resources on federal tiered initiatives related to youth, a framework of evidence standards that could be used across agencies, and additional information for communities to select, implement, sustain, and evaluate evidence-based programs for children and youth.
Out-of-School Time Programs in Rural Areas
Description: This Research Update highlights the benefits, challenges, and successful strategies of OST programs in rural areas, based on profiles from HFRP's OST Database.
Relationship Between Participation in 4-H and Community Leadership in Rural Montana
Author: Flynn, Allison; Martin Frick; Douglas Steele
Description: Studies on the impact of 4-H on former members generally use alumni as one cohort. In rural states, such as Montana, it is important to understand the impact of 4-H on alumni in these rural areas and the role 4-H plays in community involvement. The study reported here sought to determine the perception of current community leaders in rural Montana and the relationship between development of leadership skills and participation in 4-H. The study found that 4-H continues to influence rural community leaders in Montana, although it plays a modest role in influencing community involvement in all areas except agriculture groups.
Description: This PowerPoint presentation describes effective program implementation.
Description: This PowerPoint presentation describes effective program implementation.
Description: Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP) is conducting a research study on the factors associated with whether children and youth participate in out-of-school time (OST) programs and activities. This research brief distills findings from the first phase of the study, which examines demographic differences in youth's OST participation rates. It first provides information on current demographic differences in OST participation rates, and then looks at whether there is any evidence that such differences have changed in recent years. The brief concludes with implications for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers.