Outcomes

Kids who have no place to go - end up going nowhere.  Kids with some place to go - end up going places.  Every day in the United States as many as 15 million children leave school with no place to go.  And every day many of these children are involved in crimes, join gangs, or experiment with drugs, alcohol or sex.  The highest juvenile crime rate occurs during the hours of 3:00 and 6:00 PM.  In the inner city of Atlanta, the statistics are no different.  After-School All-Stars Atlanta offers a proven alternative for middle school children during these critical hours of the day.  We engage them in activities and on-going relationships that increase confidence and encourage success in all areas of their lives - at home, in school and in the community.  After-School All-Stars Atlanta provides comprehensive out-of-school programs that are fun for kids and also keep them safe and help them achieve success in school and life.  This program improves kids’ lives by nurturing their minds, bodies and spirits through programs that incorporate independent learning, academics and enrichment activities.  Programming falls into five highly structured and organized categories, each led by a State Certified Teacher:  Academic Remediation and Enrichment, Cultural Enrichment, Technology, Sports and Recreation, and Parental Involvement.  For the Education Achievement Student Success strategy, we will focus on improving standardized test scores, increasing students’ grade point average and attendance at school.

After-school is not an extension of the school day. It is a place that combines fun and learning.  Quality comprehensive after-school programs emphasize activity-based learning that reinforces the knowledge and skills needed for in-school success.  They also promote positive relationships among children and adults, create an engaging environment for children to interact with each other, and provide opportunities for children to make decisions and to learn leadership skills. After-School All-Stars Atlanta programs nurture the body, mind and spirit of every child who participates.  Our program content is designed to meet specific local needs and interests; however, each of our sites is committed to providing a comprehensive after-school experience that includes three components: Independent Learning, Academics, and Enrichment.  In addition, each child receives a nutritious snack before engaging in selected activities.  After-School All-Stars is a member of a nation-wide network of 15 cities allowing for a free exchange of ideas, experiences, and successful strategies.

Independent learning
Homework and service-learning offer opportunities for kids to build independent learning skills.  Each day we set aside time for children to work on their homework.  Adult program leaders are available to answer questions or provide tutoring.  Children without homework can read, write, work on test preparation skills or study a subject of their choosing.  Service learning offers valuable life lessons through participation in community service activities.

Academics
Success in school is supported through fun project-oriented activities, which often use health, fitness and nutrition to teach English language arts, math and science.  Computers, technology and games that combine entertainment with educational content are also used as teaching tools.

Enrichment
Enrichment activities include creative expression, communication and cooperation, which build social, physical and emotional skills.  These activities include sports, arts, culture, and computer training.  Additional life skills programs help children learn about such things as anger management, conflict resolution, money management, and career development.
For every dollar invested in after-school programs the benefit is $9 in public benefit.  As a result of programs like After-School All-Stars, less money is spent on prisons, welfare, and childcare.  Also, while drug use and teen pregnancies go down, high school graduation rates and post graduation income rise.

Best Practice Model

After experimenting with various delivery models, Dr. Walt Thompson reported the best practice model for after school programs is to work within the school culture and become part of the school, not an extension of it.  It is well documented that students are more likely to use drugs and become teen parents if they don't participate in extracurricular activities than students that do participate in extracurricular activities.

To determine the success of the After-School All-Stars program, an independent, but cooperative qualitative and quanititative evaluation is being conducted.  The goals of the evaluation will be to determine the following:

(1) Students will achieve success academically (grades and standardized test scores).

(2) Students will be able to communicate effectiveley using verbal and non-verbal methods.

(3) Students will continue to pursue knowledge and use this knowledge toward enriching their lives.

(4) Students will apply analytical and organizational skills.

(5) Students will show the initiative to be self-supporting and accept responsibility for their personal and 

     financial well-being (behavior and truancy records).

                                                                                               
                                                              Home