RESEARCH

California Tomorrow’s after school and youth development work is driven by our past and ongoing research. This research identifies trends and challenges in the field, showcases promising practices, and provides policy analysis and recommendations.

Foundational Research: Pursuing the Promise

Our after school initiative began with a 3 year national study of access, equity and diversity trends in after school and youth programs. The research identified patterns, challenges and promising practices for providing after school and youth programs in the context of a diverse society. It also highlighted after school policies and program strategies which are particularly effective in improving educational and social outcomes for underserved youth and communities, including youth of color, low income youth, immigrant youth and other groups. Components of the study included: a national survey of 3300 after school and youth programs, a qualitative community study of after school services in the city of Oakland, California, and case studies of more than 20 additional programs and initiatives around the country. Findings were published in Pursuing the Promise: Addressing Access, Equity, and Diversity in After School and Youth Programs by California Tomorrow (2003). In conjunction with this research, we also developed a set of equity and diversity principles for the after school field, and a set of reflection and dialogue tools for policymakers, funders, researchers, technical assistance providers, and programs.

Research on Workforce Development and Immigrant Support

In partnership with the National Collaboration for Youth (NCY), California Tomorrow’s after school team is looking at promising practices in workforce development related to serving immigrant children, youth and families. This research, which will be completed by the end of 2006, includes a national-level survey component, as well as case studies of successful local-level practices in NCY organizations around the country.

Other Ongoing Research

As part of our ongoing policy, advocacy and training work, we also engage in focused, short-term research and writing efforts on topics such as: after school outcomes and evaluation, local needs assessments, and the role of community organizations in the after school arena.