Adolescents Benefit from Community After-School Programs

Johns Hopkins University: Center for Adolescent Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Topics:
Healthy Youth

To help reduce violence and poor academic performance among teens in southeast Baltimore, researchers implemented and evaluated two after-school programs—one in partnership with the South East Youth Academy (SEYA) and the other with the Police Athletic League (PAL). The SEYA youth development program was conducted by AmeriCorps volunteers for youths aged 11–19 years. Evaluation results over a 2-year period showed the students had improved their school grades, reported a decline in alcohol use and violence, and found increased support from staff.

Researchers are evaluating PAL programs in nine Baltimore police districts. Police officers mentor youths aged 12 to 17 years and supervise their homework, sports, and arts and cultural programs. The effect of these relationships on rates of juvenile crime, aggressive behavior, victimization, and school dropout is being assessed. Final results will be presented to the Baltimore City Police Department.

 

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