Outcomes and Research in Out-of-School Time Program Design

The purpose of this paper is to suggest reasons and mechanisms for integrating outcomes and research into quality program design. The paper provides basic background information on "out-of-school time" (OST) programming and its current prevalence in the United States; explains and promotes the integration of outcomes and research into program development; provides examples of research-based Best Practices; and links specific Best Practices to youth outcomes, and explains how these can be utilized in program design.