5 Reasons Why We Love Afterschool

February 13, 2019

NIOST loves afterschool, so we're taking part tomorrow in the We Love Afterschool campaign from Afterschool Alliance. Here are five reasons why we say #IHeartAfterschool:

We Love Afterschool

  1. Out-of-school-time programs provide youth with the opportunity to try new things, challenge themselves, and make new friends. These experiences help strengthen their social-emotional learning skills. Here’s an example of how out-of-school time programs can help boost critical friendships among youth.
  2. Out-of-school-time programs can help keep youth healthy. In 2010, the HOST Coalition founded by NIOST, YMCA of the USA, and UMASS Boston developed the National AfterSchool Association's Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Standards.
  3. Out-of-school-time programs can provide opportunities to participate in the arts. Research suggests a link between the arts and academic achievement. Watch this webinar to learn more.
  4. Out-of-school-time programs can provide the time and space to use creative approaches for promoting literacy. Here’s one example, showing "How Making Comics in an Afterschool Setting Can Develop Young People’s Creativity, Literacy, and Identity."
  5. Out-of-school-time programs provide additional opportunities for youth to be physically active. Research suggests a link between physical activity and cognitive function.
  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST has been an anchor for numerous school age care projects we do, including ASQ (After-School Quality) and Links to Learning. They are a nationally respected organization that Pennsylvania has partnered with for over 20 years."



    – Betsy O. Saatman, TA Specialist/SAC Initiatives, Pennsylvania Key
  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST was a core partner in supporting the development of quality improvement systems across the nine cities that participated in The Wallace Foundation Next Generation Afterschool System-Building Initiative. The NIOST team worked well with other technical assistance partners in the initiative, always willing to pitch in and collaborate with others to make our professional learning community meetings a team effort. I truly hope the Foundation has an opportunity to partner with them in the future."


    – Priscilla M. Little, Initiative Manager, The Wallace Foundation

  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST has been a leader in the out-of-school time field for as long as I can remember, and I have relied on their research, tools, and advice to improve my practice throughout my career. Their staff members are good partners and good listeners, and their influence across the country is palpable."


    – Jane Quinn, Vice President and Director of National Center for Community Schools, Children's Aid Society
  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "Georgia Hall, Ellen Gannett, and the NIOST team have been instrumental in driving the healthy afterschool movement. Their dedication to quality practice, informed policy, and collective impact is instrumental in our effort to create healthier communities."



    – Daniel W. Hatcher, Director, Community Partnerships, Alliance for a Healthier Generation

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The National Institute on Out-of-School Time

A program of the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College

Wellesley Centers for Women
Wellesley College
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481-8203 USA

niost@wellesley.edu
781.283.2547
Directions to NIOST

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