Deeper_Dive_into_Afterschool

participants (not statisticallysignificant)BeaconCommunityCentersThe BeaconCommunityCenters MiddleSchoolInitiative:Final ReportonImplementation and YouthExperience inthe InitiativeLaFleur, J.,Russell, C.A.,Low, M. andRomash, R.Policy StudiesAssociates,Inc.2011NonexperimentalLocal LevelThe final report of a three-yearevaluation on the Beacon CommunityCenters. Findings are based onsurveys of Beacon directors at 80centers, 831 completed surveys fromprogram participants, program dataon 21,798 participants, Department ofEducation match data on 5,851participants and site visits to 10centers.School Engagement:- 95% of Beacon students reportedthat they tried hard in school (p =n/a)- 91% of participants reported thatthey did well in school (p = n/a)- 93 percent of participants reportedthat they paid attention in class(p = n/a)- 88% of participants report that theywere always prepared for class (p =n/a)Behavior:- 77% of Beacon students said that theBeacon Center helped them to learnabout the dangers of alcohol, drugsand other risky activities (p = n/a)- 80% of Beacon students stated theBeacon was either “very helpful” or“pretty helpful” to avoid drug use (p= n/a)- 74% said that in regard to avoidingfighting, the Beacon was “veryhelpful” or “pretty helpful” (p = n/a)Academic:- Beacon students believed that theprogram:o Helped them finish theirhomework more often (81%),o Helped them get better grades(78%) ando Helped them to feel better about34