Do the Methods of After-School Programs Match Their Goals? A Study of Two Trinity College Sponsored After-School Mentoring Programs in Hartford, CT By Richard R. Selander

Research Question Look at goals and methods of two programs – VAMP (Vision Academic Mentoring Program) –ESF (Education, Sports, and Fun) Dream Camp Policy Evaluation: Do the methods of these two after-school mentoring programs match their intended goals? –Not a study of effectiveness

Significance After-school programs assist students with their homework and gives them a place to go to when the school day is over Other studies look at what works, but few if any look at specific programs to see if their methods match the statement of goals

Research Methodology For goals –Proposals –VAMP brochure –ESF letter to parents –Interviews with coordinators of both programs Ms. Shanta Evans of VAMP Mr. Dale Phelps of ESF Dream Camp

Research Methodology For methods –I am a mentor for both programs First-hand observations (2 days a week) –What did I look for? How mentors and mentees were selected, grouped together, and worked with each other Mentor training Division of mentoring time (schedule) Curriculum covered Resources available Parent communication

Goals of VAMP Promote academic success Positive youth development Foster a desire to learn and achieve goals –Build self-esteem –Motivate to learn and be creative –College as a possible future option Parent communication Give mentors experience in public education and have positive influence on a child

Methods of VAMP Tuesdays and Thursdays for 2 hours 32 mentees: lottery and low scores 17 mentors: application and interview Mentee\Mentor ratio: 2:1 and 1:1 Mentor training Snacks, homework help, journal, game, bathroom break, cleanup, dismissal Low parent communication

VAMP Methods Match Goals? Fosters academic achievement Mentors work closely with mentees –Give homework help and encouragement –Mentees work harder and set higher goals –Mentees know someone cares, and self-esteem is boosted Mentors gain experience Low parent communication

Goals of ESF Provide best after-school alternatives –Through education, sports, and fun Help achieve full potential –Set goals for themselves –Understand importance of education Learn to be role models in and out of classroom Develop self esteem and build confidence Develop better social skills, people and time management skills, and classroom skills Give mentors a “solid mentoring environment” Parent communication

Methods of ESF Monday through Thursday for 2 hours 60 mentees: 50 from ESF summer program 15 mentors: summer program or application Mentee\Mentor ratio: 3:1 – 1:1 Mentor training Bus transportation, snacks, journal entry on weekly theme, class meeting, homework help, read, draw, sports activity, game, cleanup, dismissal Parent communication

ESF Methods Match Goals? Offers many alternatives Sports and games part of curriculum Fosters education and importance of school Mentors work closely with mentees in good env. –Act as encouraging role models –Mentees work harder and set higher goals –Mentees know someone cares, and self-esteem is boosted Specific themes focus on social skills Good parent communication

Conclusions Thesis: The two after-school mentoring program’s methods closely match the goals VAMP achieves all goals but parent communication ESF Dream Camp achieves all goals