After-School Centers and Youth Development: Case Studies of Success and Failure - Hardcover

Hirsch, Barton J.; Deutsch, Nancy L.; DuBois, David L.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 052119119X ISBN 13: 9780521191197

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2011

Synopsis

This book examines after-school programs in light of their explosive growth in recent years. In the rush to mount programs, there is a danger of promoting weak ones of little value and failing to implement strong ones adequately. But what is quality and how can it be achieved? This book presents findings from an intensive study of three after-school centers that differed dramatically in quality. Drawing from 233 site visits, the authors examine how - and why - young people thrive in good programs and suffer in weak ones. The book features engaging, in-depth case studies of each of the three centers and of six youths, two from each center. Written in a highly accessible style for academics, youth workers, after-school program leaders, and policy makers, the study breaks new ground in highlighting the importance of factors such as collective mentoring, synergies among different programs and activities, and organizational culture and practices. Guidelines are included for program improvement.

About this title

Book Description:

This book examines after-school programs in light of their explosive growth in recent years. In the rush to mount programs, there is a danger of promoting weak ones of little value and failing to implement strong ones adequately. The authors examine how - and why - young people thrive in good programs and suffer in weak ones. The study breaks new ground in highlighting the importance of factors such as collective mentoring, synergies among different programs and activities, and organizational culture and practices.

About the Author:

Barton J. Hirsch is Professor of Human Development and Social Policy at Northwestern University. An internationally recognized authority on after-school programs and positive youth development, his earlier book, A Place to Call Home: After-School Programs for Urban Youth, won the Social Policy Award for Best Authored Book from the Society for Research on Adolescence.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 052119119X
• ISBN 13: 9780521191197
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 366