UM File # 5083

Background
More than 28 million school-age children have parents who work outside the home, leaving up to as many as 15 million "latch-key children" return to an empty home after school. Juvenile crime is at its highest during the after-school hours. The benefits of youth programs are clear as studies show that children are less likely to commit crimes or to be victimized, and are less likely to engage in risky behavior such as drug, alcohol and tobacco use in communities with programs in place. However, a recent U.S. Department of Education survey reports that there is a shortage of quality comprehensive after-school programs.

Technology Description
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an engaging and highly successful program called Youth Empowerment Solutions for Peaceful Communities (YES). YES is a theory-based after-school program that engages adolescents in conceiving, planning, and carrying out community improvement projects. The goal of the YES program is to empower youth to affect their communities in positive ways and to engage adults in supporting their efforts. The program includes a 16 week after-school curriculum that focuses on developing leadership skills, community pride, program planning, and resource mobilization. During the summer, youth design and complete community improvement projects, which may include cleaning up neighborhoods, creating a mural, planting community gardens, building playgrounds, or other initiatives chosen by the participants. Trained local adult volunteers assist and mentor youth. Evaluation results indicate that YES participants are less likely to become victims of crime in their neighborhoods, demonstrate more conflict avoidance and resolution skills, and spend less time watching TV or using a computer as compared to youth not involved in the program.

Applications
• After-school program aimed at empowering youth

Advantages
• Implementation Guide is clear and well-written
• Proven results
• Encourages community improvement and individual growth

File Number: 5083