Authors: Georgia Hall, Ph.D., Nicole Yohalem, Joel Tolman, Alicia Wilson

This report by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) in association with The Forum for Youth (FYI) investigates how after-school programs in Boston can most effectively promote positive youth development as a support to academic achievement. By using the positive youth development approach, quality after-school programs can incorporate the supports and opportunities necessary for young people to succeed both developmentally and academically. The researchers outline key ways quality after-school programs can help to overcome critical barriers to learning and can support academic achievement and the well-being of children and youth. This report: provides a review of learning theories explains the features and rationale of

• the positive youth development approach
• provides local and national examples of programs utilizing positive youth development
• strategies to support youth development and academic achievement
• articulates the particular challenges facing Boston in its efforts to build the capacity of after-school programs to promote positive youth development
• offers both short-term and longterm recommendations regarding local actions and policy activities