Exploring the Connection between an Afterschool Program and its Relationship to Students' School Engagement and Family Involvement

Authors: Olivia Lahm, Jadon Ross, Corvis Gill, Gianna Barberio

Field of Study: English: Rhetoric and Global Culture

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Amber Simpson

Easel: 97

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: Gaps in school achievement disproportionately affect students from historically underserved communities. The FACE (Families Achieve Community Empowerment) Program works to bridge the gap in a local middle school by improving achievement and offering proactive support to strengthen family bonds, enhance mental health, and boost academic performance. This study aimed to evaluate how students’ engagement and behavior in an after-school program translates to a regular classroom. We surveyed students in the program two times: once early in the program and four weeks later. Early findings indicate that the after-school program is reinforcing positive student engagement and behavior both during the program and in the classroom. This study’s significance comes from the fact that a student's involvement with school does not end when the bell rings. As researchers of education, taking steps towards understanding what influences lead to positive outcomes for students helps to maximize those outcomes.