An analysis of 68 afterschool studies concluded that high quality afterschool programs can lead to improved attendance, behavior and coursework. Students participating in a high quality afterschool program went to school more, behaved better, received better grades and did better on tests compared to students who don’t participate.

It’s important to support our local teenagers in various clubs and sports teams because they offer a range of benefits, including a safe place to go after school and improved test scores and work habits. Teens who do not participate in afterschool programs are almost three times more likely to skip classes than teens who do. It’s no surprise, then, that 8 in 10 Americans think it’s beneficial to have all adolescents involved in some sort of organized activity. In addition, 3 in every 4 voters said afterschool programs are an absolutely necessity for their community in an election poll a few years ago.

We understand the increasing importance of keeping students engaged with their schools and communities; however, it’s difficult when parents often pay more than 75 percent of afterschool costs. Support My Club helps connect community members to these afterschool clubs and teams. By doing so, we make a difference in students’ lives and we invite you to be a part of it! You can find and donate to clubs, sports teams and other afterschool programs at any of our four Phoenix Union high schools by visiting www.supportmyclub.org.

*These statistics and many others about afterschool essentials can be found here:

http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/Essentials_and_Polling_2013_010713.pdf