Achievement’ After-School Programs Find A HomeIn Schools (NAPSA)—In many communi- ties, the end of the school day doesn’t mean that students are no longer learning or that schools are standingidle. A new survey showsthat nearly two-thirds (just over 62 percent) of students who participate in after-school programs take part in activities held at their schools, in a location such as a gym or cafeteria—and not in after-school A new survey shows that the By comparison, fewer than one pate in an after-school program centers. in 10—just under 9 percent—par- ticipate in more traditional afterschool settings, such as ata YMCA, Boys & Girls Club or similar facility. About one in five (18 percent) participate in a church or place of worship. “These results illustrate the growing role of schools in the communities they serve, during normal school hours and beyond,” said Dr. Darrell Luzzo, Senior Vice President of Education for JA Worldwide. “I think it is also indicative of the rising demandfor after-school programs. There simply aren’t enough after-school facilities out there, so schools are filling that void. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity to help students academically by giving them unique andinteresting content during those afterschool hours.” The survey was conducted by JA Worldwide ( Achievement) in conjunction with the introduction of the organization’s majority of students who partici- take part in activities held on school grounds. after-school middle-school program, JA It’s My Business! This new program encompasses entrepreneurship curricula for students in grades six, seven and eight. The program emphasizes entrepreneurship while providing a strong focus on social studies, reading and writing skills. After-school programs offered through JA are provided at mini- mal or no cost to schools, and can use on-site personnel or engage a volunteer from outside the school—whois often a businessperson or working professional— to come into the after-school setting to conduct the program. JA Worldwide—also known as Achievement—reaches approximately 4 million students in the United States, plus more than 3.5 million students worldwide. To find www.ja.org. out more, visit
