After School Programs in Diverse Populations: The Effects on Female Participants

Abstract

After school programs are important in the lives of many children and adolescents. In the past decade, a diverse range of programs have been offered by nonprofit agencies, city and county governments, schools, churches, and other community groups. In this qualitative study, research was conducted on the impact and influence of after school programs on female participants in diverse schools, with specific emphasis on Hispanic females. While multiculturalism has typically been applied to the regular school day curriculum, this study examines how students' diverse backgrounds have also been integrated into after school programming.

The study was conducted on a large, multi-site after school program in the Central Florida area and interviews were conducted at one school. Three other program sites were also visited. Female participants, after school counselors, coordinators, and a director of the program were interviewed at one school to gain multiple perspectives in addition to the researcher's own participant observation experiences as a counselor. In general, the study found female participants are influenced positively by the after school program and, to a lesser extent, found the program aids the girls in making healthier decisions. Moreover, the study found the after school program evaluated incorporates the diverse cultures of the participants into clubs and activities.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2005

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Van Hook, Mary

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

Liberal Studies

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021908

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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