This mixed-methods research evaluates Conversation Club (CC), a Canadian after-school group mentoring intervention for newcomer youth. The study's main objectives are to examine the effects of CC on newcomer youth's experiences of belonging, connectedness, hopefulness, and integration into Canadian society. Using a quasi-experimental design, CC (n…

By adopting Sen's capability approach, this study explores transformative educational actions for children in poverty to develop their capabilities for learning for life. Sen's capability approach provides a framework for why it is important to foster the capabilities of children in poverty and what is required to help these children to improve…

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs. Each state education agency receives funds based on its share of Title I funding for low-income students at high-poverty, low performing schools. Funds are also…

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative provides funds for afterschool programs across the country and is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to afterschool programming. 21st CCLC-funded programs operate during nonschool hours (i.e., before and after school, summers, holidays, and weekends) and present children…

Influencing and mentoring underachieving students is one mission of the Ambridge Area Community Learning Center in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Operating with a 3-year, $90,000 grant from Pittsburgh's Grable Foundation, the "lifelong" learning center offers classes, workshops, and services to all ages. (MLH)

This edition of "Policy Issues" looks at the status of access, equity, and quality issues affecting the 21st CCLC afterschool initiative. The issue begins with background information on the 21st CCLC program, followed by an overview of grantee data on 21st CCLC program characteristics from the 21st CCLC Profile and Performance Collection…