--- title: 4 Unique Ways After School Programs Support Middle School Students description: Children in grades six to eight who participate in after school programs gain immense support for their academic and social development. image: https://www.extendednotes.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_154155695_(1)__800x400.jpg --- # 4 Unique Ways After School Programs Support Middle School Students March 11 - [Home](https://www.extendednotes.com/) - [Articles](https://www.extendednotes.com/blog) - 4 Unique Ways After School Programs Support Middle School Students Share this Post [mailto:?subject=Sharing%20a%20blog%20post;body=Check%20out%20this%20ExtendED%20Notes%20blog%20post:%20https://www.extendednotes.com/blog/after-school-articles/4-unique-ways-afterschool-programs-support-middle-school-students](mailto:?subject=Sharing%20a%20blog%20post;body=Check%20out%20this%20ExtendED%20Notes%20blog%20post:%20https://www.extendednotes.com/blog/after-school-articles/4-unique-ways-afterschool-programs-support-middle-school-students) [After School Advocacy ](https://www.extendednotes.com/blog/tag/after-school-advocacy) [Teaching Strategies ](https://www.extendednotes.com/blog/tag/teaching-strategies) ![Shutterstock 154155695 (1)](https://www.extendednotes.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_154155695_(1)__800x400.jpg)   Research shows that the 1.4 million children in grades six to eight who participate in after school programs gain immense support for their academic and social development. In addition, programs that provide activities aligned with students’ developmental needs—such as social interaction, physical activity, and development of new skills and interests—inspire students and prepare them for the transition to high school.   In a [series of four issue briefs](https://afterschoolalliance.org/documents/MetLifeCompendium.pdf), the MetLife Foundation and After School Alliance examined critical issues facing middle school youth and the vital role after school programs play in addressing these issues. Through their research, they identified specific ways that after school programs support middle school students:   #### STEM: Integrating science, technology, engineering and math learning into after school programming gives middle school students a fun, hands-on introduction to essential STEM skills. It also gives them time to develop an interest in STEM and inspires them to learn.   #### Health and wellness: After school programs provide activities that keep middle school youth physically active, while also teaching them to make positive nutritional and lifestyle choices.   #### Service learning: Meaningful activities give middle school youth the opportunity to use their skills and talents to impact the world around them. It helps them gain a sense of responsibility and see themselves as citizens as they make meaningful contributions to their communities.   #### Career and college readiness: Studies show that middle school students who have poor attendance, score low grades in a core subject, or fail math or reading are less likely to graduate high school and pursue secondary education. After school programs can help these students overcome barriers that may derail their future and can put them on track to high-school graduation, higher education and eventually a fulfilling career.   Middle school is a challenging time for students, but after school programs can provide support to prepare them for high school, college and beyond. To read the full issue briefs, visit the [After School Alliance website](https://afterschoolalliance.org/documents/MetLifeCompendium.pdf). #### Article Categories ![afterschool advocacy icon](https://www.extendednotes.com/hubfs/ExtendED%20Notes%20Blog/afterschool%20advocacy%20icon.svg) After School Advocacy ![bullying safety icon](https://www.extendednotes.com/hubfs/ExtendED%20Notes%20Blog/bullying%20safety%20icon.svg) Bullying and Safety ![leadership icon](https://www.extendednotes.com/hubfs/ExtendED%20Notes%20Blog/leadership%20icon.svg) Leadership & Professional Development ![parental engagement icon](https://www.extendednotes.com/hubfs/ExtendED%20Notes%20Blog/parental%20engagement%20icon.svg) Parental Engagement ![physical activity icon](https://www.extendednotes.com/hubfs/ExtendED%20Notes%20Blog/physical%20activity%20icon.svg) Physical Activity ![program development icon](https://www.extendednotes.com/hubfs/ExtendED%20Notes%20Blog/program%20development%20icon.svg) Program Development ![social emotional learning icon](https://www.extendednotes.com/hubfs/ExtendED%20Notes%20Blog/social%20emotional%20learning%20icon.svg) Social-Emotional Learning ![stem icon](https://www.extendednotes.com/hubfs/ExtendED%20Notes%20Blog/stem%20icon.svg) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) ![teaching strategies icon](https://www.extendednotes.com/hubfs/ExtendED%20Notes%20Blog/teaching%20strategies%20icon.svg) Teaching Strategies ![extended notes fb page banner](https://www.extendednotes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ExtendED%20Notes%20Blog/extended%20notes%20fb%20page%20banner.png?width=342&height=130&name=extended%20notes%20fb%20page%20banner.png) [Follow Page ](https://www.facebook.com/385747254841303?ref=embed_page) ![ExtendedNotes_Logo_Knowledge Base-01](https://www.extendednotes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ExtendedNotes_Logo_Knowledge%20Base-01.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=ExtendedNotes_Logo_Knowledge%20Base-01.jpg) ExtendED Notes 974 followers Connect with us to get the latest Articles & Insights. ## Related Articles ![safely reopen afterschool programs post image](https://www.extendednotes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/een-4-800x400-01__800x400.jpg?width=352&name=een-4-800x400-01__800x400.jpg) #### How to Safely Reopen Your After School Program During COVID-19 Reopening the doors to your program will take effort, flexibility, and collaboration with parents,... [Program Development ](https://www.extendednotes.com/blog/tag/program-development) [Bullying and Safety ](https://www.extendednotes.com/blog/tag/bullying-and-safety) ![related post image](https://www.extendednotes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/after_schools_program_help_to_prevent_childhood_obesity-2__800x400.jpg?width=352&name=after_schools_program_help_to_prevent_childhood_obesity-2__800x400.jpg) #### After School Programs Help Prevent Childhood Obesity Afterschool programs to help prevent childhood obesity. [After School Advocacy ](https://www.extendednotes.com/blog/tag/after-school-advocacy) [Physical Activity ](https://www.extendednotes.com/blog/tag/physical-activity) ![measure success in afterschool post image](https://www.extendednotes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_474518029-2__800x400.jpg?width=352&name=shutterstock_474518029-2__800x400.jpg) #### 3 Simple Ways to Measure Success in After School Programs The best way to start measuring success in afterschool programs is by setting and tracking goals. 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