Description
Book SynopsisIncreasingly, educational researchers and policy-makers are finding that extracurricular programmes make a major difference in the lives of disadvantaged youth.
Why Afterschool Matters closely follows ten Mexican American students who attended the same extracurricular programme in California, then chronicles its long-term effects on their lives, from eighth grade to early adulthood.
Trade Review"Professor Nelson has written a valuable and unique contribution to the growing literature on the impact of out-of-school-time programs on the development of youth. Impressive and engaging,
Why Afterschool Matters is a timely and important work." -- Richard M. Lerner * Bergstrom Chair and Director, Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development, Tufts University *
"
Why Afterschool Matters is a critical reminder to account for the structural conditions that shape the lived realities of youths in order to avoid reifying the myth that everyone can access higher education, if they simply work hard." * American Journal of Sociology *
Table of ContentsPreface: Why Does College Matter?
Acknowledgments
1 Extracurricular Activities and Pathways to College
2 Theorizing Educational Success and Failure
3 Auxiliary Influence: “It Was Fun . . . But I Don’t Remember Much”
4 Distinguishable Influence: “It Helped Me Find My Way . . .”
5 Transformative Influence: “It Changed My Whole Life!”
6 The Differential Role of Extracurricular Activity Participation
Appendix A: Student Characteristics
Appendix B: Methodological Reflections
References
Index
