Higher Engagement in Learning
When youth are engaged in learning, they are less likely to have behavioral incidents and more likely to come to school. Youth in Rhode Island who participated regularly in 21st CCLC programs had on average far fewer unexcused absences and suspensions per school year than their peers who were similar demographically. For every 1 unexcused absence that regular 21st CCLC participants had, their peers had 2.6. For every 1 disciplinary suspension that regular 21st CCLC participants had, their peers had 2.4. xvii
“I thought this would be like school. This is NOT like school. If school were like this, I would want to go every day!”
– Janeida, a 5th grade student from Connecting for Children and Families Chillin’ and Skillin’ Summer Program
xviiAmerican Institutes for Research (June 2013). Rhode Island 21st Century Community Learning Center Program Evaluation: Evaluation Report 2011-2012.
