NM Boys and Girls Clubs Programs and Indicators

Research shows that afterschool and summer learning programs improve student performance, school-day attendance, and overall student engagement. Out-of- school time programs can offer homework help, tutoring, and additional, hands-on learning opportunities in areas like STEM, art, and music. These factors combine to improve academic performance, and, in the long-term, lead to increased earning potential for New Mexico students, and help close the achievement gap for students living in economically difficult circumstances.

 ACS Educational Attainment Variables - Boundaries - Overview 

U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-year estimates

The demand for afterschool programs in communities of concentrated poverty is much higher than the national average. In communities of concentrated poverty, more than half of children (56 percent) not in an afterschool program would be enrolled in one if it were available to them, compared to the national average of 41 percent. Parents living in communities of concentrated poverty—both parents with and without a child in an afterschool program—report challenges regarding the availability and accessibility of afterschool programs in their area. Children living in areas of concentrated poverty are often from families with limited educational background and may face difficulty in getting help with homework after hours. They may also have less access to technology, books, and educational materials in the home. An after-school program can provide a few additional hours during the day in the presence of a caring adult, and with access to computers, art and science equipment, and a variety of educational materials and activities. Summer learning programs can also help prevent summer learning loss that tends to exacerbate the achievement gap between students from low and high-income families. In addition, too many of New Mexico’s children suffer from hunger and food insecurity. Afterschool and summer programs can help provide a healthy, substantial snack or a healthy, warm meal for children who might otherwise go to bed hungry. It’s tough to learn when you can’t hear yourself think over the rumbling of your stomach.

 ACS Poverty Status Variables - Boundaries - Overview 

U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-year estimates

Afterschool is a place that sparks passion and fuels imagination. It helps young people discover who they are and what they love to do. Students in afterschool programs learn by doing, strengthen their social skills, and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Afterschool programs also allow parents to focus on providing for their families—rather than worrying about whether their children are supervised or coordinating rides. Parents need flexible, affordable options after the school bell rings, and to know their children are safe. Afterschool provides that assurance. Finally, afterschool is a safe haven that helps children and teens avoid risky behaviors, online and offline, during the hours of 3 to 6 p.m., when juvenile crime and victimization peaks. Roughly 70,000 New Mexico children are unsupervised during that window.

Out-of-school time programs like afterschool and summer learning can:

• Create a safe and empowering space for young men and women.
• Provide peer support and strengthen self-esteem and resilience.
• Provide training on topics related to life skills, healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse, and where to seek help.
• Promote healthy attitudes and behaviors in their families and communities.

 ACS Youth School and Work Activity Variables - Boundaries - Overview 

U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-year estimates