er self esteem and positive emotional adjustment. These centers also help to reduce delinquency, teen pregnancy, suicide, drug use, public expenditures for remedial services and depression in adolescents (Arizona School-Age Coalition, 2002). Even though there is not much research on the effects of after-school programs, quantitative data and anecdotal evidence suggests that children who participate regularly in these programs experience more positive outcomes than those who have little supervision. Positive outcomes include improved school performance and attendance, improved social skills and self-confidence, and a healthier use of time (Posner &Vandell, 1999).
             After school programs not only keep children safe and out of trouble, they also provide a prime opportunity to increase learning. Research was conducted in four school districts in four separate states with third grade students attending their after-school programs. Each program had
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