AfterSchool program boosting productivity of Calgary youth

Thank to Calgary AfterSchool, Calgary’s kids are spending less time at home alone and more time in activities that help them develop social skills and be more physically active.  Today, The City of Calgary and its program partners released the results of a report done on the program and the positive impact it has had for Calgary children.

“Calgary AfterSchool helps link organizations and agencies to provide a broad network of support for our children and this program is the first of its kind in Canada,” says Karen Young, director of Community & Neighbourhood Services at The City of Calgary.”

“Today’s report, on how the program is doing, is proof positive of all the work The City and our partners have done.  We know we are making a tangible difference in kids’ lives by providing healthy, productive and fun activities during the critical after school hours,” she says.

The report, done by Merrill Cooper of Guyn Cooper Research Associates Ltd., shows the program making a measurable difference for children with poor social skills and emotional challenges. The report findings also indicate that, fewer youth are spending time on unconstructive activities, such as watching TV, playing electronic games, or hanging out in the mall with nothing to do. Instead, they are engaging in supervised, high-quality programs where they are able to learn new skills, be physically active and have fun with peers.

Calgary AfterSchool currently offers programs across Calgary to children aged six to 16 between the critical hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., when children and youth are out of school, but many parents aren’t home from work yet.

Calgary AfterSchool is a joint initiative between The City of Calgary (Community & Neighbourhood Services and Recreation) and United Way Calgary and Area’s UpStart. A network of 16 not-for-profit agencies, work in conjunction with City programs to provide an array of activities for Calgary children.

“Supporting kids in these critical hours has a ripple effect,” says United Way President and CEO Lucy Miller. “It’s important that kids have access to positive role models and activities outside of school. It puts them on healthy paths and discourages them from pitfalls such as gang involvement and other criminal activity.”

Launched in 2009, Calgary AfterSchool is available at eight City recreation sites as well as 16 non-for-profit agencies offering many different programs.  Last year, there were over 100 programs throughout Calgary.