What Are Kids Getting Into These Days? Demographic Differences in Youth Out-of-School Time Participation

‚‚‚‚‚‚‚ What Are Kids Getting Into These Days? Demographic Differences in Youth Out-of School Time Participation Christopher Wimer, Research Assistant Suzanne M. Bouffard, Research Analyst Pia Caronongan, Research Assistant Eric Dearing, Consultant Sandra Simpkins, Consultant Priscilla M.D. Little, Associate Director Heather Weiss, Director Harvard Family Research Project March 2006 For more information on the topic of this paper, email hfrp_pubs@gse.harvard.edu Abstract: With support from the William T. Grant Foundation, Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP) is conducting a research study on the factors associated with whether children and youth participate in out-of-school time (OST) programs and activities. Building on our previous work, we are using national data to examine the many factors and contexts in children's lives that predict participation. This research brief distills findings from the first phase of the study, which examines demographic differences in youth’s OST participation rates. It first provides information on current dem OST participation rates and then looks at whether there is any evidence that such differences have changed in recent years. The brief concludes with implications for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. Harvard Family Research Project© President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced whole or in part without written permission from ...