School-Based Programs

School-based programs for out-of-school time learning offer a wide variety of services and activities for children across the K–12 grade range. Traditionally, these programs began as school-based prevention programs that addressed major social issues directly affecting youth such as drug abuse and school violence, among others. Over time, school-based programs grew to include supplementary educational services such as tutoring and mentoring. The infrastructure of these programs may be associated with large national organizations or they may be local programs unique to particular schools, school districts, and community centers. This entry discusses the different types of school-based programs, research on their effectiveness, and the theoretical underpinnings of these programs.