What is Out-of-School Time?
Out-of-school time, or the time youth spend outside of school, serves as a great opportunity for youth to explore, learn, and grow. After-school and summer learning experiences play an important role in helping young people thrive. Research shows that children and youth who take part in quality after-school or summer programs:
- Attend school more often
- Do better in school
- Exhibit fewer behavior challenges
- Increase their physical activity
- Develop more self-confidence
- Build leadership and teamwork skills
- Strengthen awareness of themselves and others
- Cultivate positive relationships with other youth and adults
Start exploring with Sprockets.
Sprockets is Saint Paul's out-of-school time network that connects young people in Saint Paul to high-quality after-school and summer programs through our Program Finder. Whether you are looking for homework help, arts-based activities, sports, college and career support and/or youth leadership opportunities, check out the Sprockets Program Finder and start exploring.
Make sure its quality.
Find a youth program you like? Make sure its high quality!
Research reveals that it’s better for youth to do nothing at all than to participate in low-quality programs. Use our Parent Guide to help you identify quality programs for the young people in your life.
Parent Guide: Finding Quality Youth Programs Is As Easy As 1-2-3-4
You already know that it’s important to find quality after-school and summer programs for the young people in your life. But how do you know quality when you see it? Use the Program Finder to discover programs and activities near your home or school. Then, look and ask for these top four signs of quality.
Welcoming Staff
Look for upbeat staff members who encourage young people to learn new skills – or strengthen existing ones – by helping youth take on tasks that build confidence and self-esteem.
Ask
- What are your staff’s qualifications?
- How far in advance are activities planned?
Belonging
Look for welcoming, sociable interactions among all the participants. Smiles, eye contact and friendly conversation are good indicators of positive peer relationships.
Ask
- How are conflicts addressed?
- How do you maintain communication and connections between participants, parents/guardians and staff?
Spark
Look for young people having fun. Whether it’s through physical movement, private reflection or small-group teamwork, participants should be energized, focused, eager and on task. Laughter is a great sign!
Ask
- Are the activities hands-on?
- Do the participants help choose or plan the activities?
Safety
Look for a clean space with drinking fountains and bathroom facilities nearby, safety equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kit, emergency phone) readily available and enough room to safely conduct the activities.
Ask
- Is there an emergency plan?
- Are background checks conducted on all staff and others who have access to the space?
- Are staff CPR certified?
- How do you manage drop off and pick up times?