People: Georgia Hall & Projects
Afterschool Matters
Ongoing since 2007A National Research, Writing and Action InitiativeThe primary objective of this project is to manage the continuation of the well established Afterschool Matters Initiative, which includes several publications and a Research Grantee program, in addition to planning for the national expansion of a related action/research writing initiative.
CityWorks: Building Strong Citywide Afterschool Initiatives
Completed in 2004Building Strong Afterschool Initiatives: Policy PlanningThis project sought to improve the availability and preservation of out-of-school time programming and to disseminate information on recruiting, training, development, and finance.
Cross-Cities Network
Completed in 2007Leaders of After-School InitiativesThis project connected high-level leaders from different cities and states to educate them on the dynamic landscape of after-school programs. in hopes of directing the influence, funding, and high expectations of these leaders towards a "critical mass" of associated initiatives across the country.
Exploratory Study of Same-Sex Marriage
Completed 2005Same-Sex Marriage in MassachusettsResearchers examined the ways in which same-sex couples in Massachusetts perceived marriage. Interviews with couples and children illuminated reasons why same-sex couples may or may not marry and related social influences.
Facilities for Early Childhood and Out-of-School Time Programs: Standards and Research
Completed in 2011
An evaluation of physical spaces in Massachusetts child care settings.
From Out-of-School to Outer Space: Exploring the Solar System with NASA
Completed in 2011Afterschool Activities from NASAThe project combines out-of-school time (OST) professional advisors, the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST), and NASA experts from across the agency to use research-based strategies to develop afterschool activity guides adapted from NASA Planetary Science formal education curricula.
Massachusetts Afterschool Research Study (MARS)
Completed in 2005Researching Quality Afterschool Programming: MassachusettsThis project sought to identify the most successful elements of afterschool programs in Massachusetts; including staff, policy making, funding, and program/activity participation.
Met Life Discovering Community Initiative: An Evaluation Project
Completed in 2006Creating Communities in After-School SettingsThis was an evaluation of a national project that fosters more positive attitudes and stronger affiliations among middle school teachers, students, and parents within school communities.
National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST)
Ongoing since 1978NIOSTThis long-term program has brought national attention to the importance of children's out-of-school time using research, training and advocacy to strengthen children's emotional, physical, and social development.
New York City Urban Debate League: Investigating Youth's Experiences in a "Democracy in Action" Afterschool Program
Completed in 2006NYC Debate Teams in Afterschool ProgramsThis study examined the ways in which youth participate in the League: how do they experience the democratic ideals of a debate program? How do they come to consider and participate in democracy?
Out of Harm's Way
Completed in 2009Preventing Violence in Boston Middle SchoolsThe primary goal of the Out of Harm's Way (OHW) Initiative is to address the escalating violence in a subset of middle schools in the Boston Public Schools by offering comprehensive services and care, and increasing the participation of students in after school programming. Wellesley Centers for Women and the National Institute on Out-of-School Time would perform as the project evaluator.
Outcomes Evaluation of FasTracKids
2007-2009Evaluation of Participants in FasTracKids
The FasTracKids Research Study is a 19-month international study aimed at examining the link between participation in FasTracKids enrichment programs and child outcomes (children 4 and 5 years old). FasTracKids Enrichment Centers offer a variety of classes and activities designed to promote early learning, develop creative thinking and problem solving, build verbal communication, promote leadership and personal growth, and encourage a lifelong love of learning.
Perceptions of Work Environments and Relationships (POWER)
Completed in 2006Social Class Perceptions of Work EnvironmentsThis program examined the ways urban high school students benefit from and utilize school-to-work programs, with an exploration of class differences on work relationships and overall experience.
Physical Activity over Time: Health Outcomes of Elementary School Children
Completed in 2011Long-term health benefits of physical activityThis is a secondary analysis of data collected over the long-term to determine how physical activity benefits the overall health and well-being of children over time. This study will focus on the NICHD’s Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development data.
Physical Activity Study in the Natick Public Schools: Focus on BOKS
Ongoing since 2011Health Benefits of Physical ActivityThis project will focus on the BOKS program, which aims to improve kids' academic performance and overall health using physical activity to jump start children's brains in the morning.
Program Practices: An Investigation of Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Standards and Practices
2010-2011Physical Activity and Healthy Eating in Out-of-School ProgramsThis research study uses quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and multiple regression modeling to examine healthy eating and physical activity opportunities in a national sample of out-of-school time programs.
Understanding the Impact of Arts Programming on School Dropout
Completed in 2011Afterschool programs and school dropoutThis study will investigate the effective practices and support offered in an arts-based afterschool programs to reduce the dropout rate among high school students.
