155 - Unlocking Engagement: Exploring the Impact of 21st Century Community Learning Centers on School Day Engagement Through NYC Public School Survey Data

Abstract Information: Afterschool programs, particularly the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative, are recognized for their potential to enhance student engagement and academic outcomes. Despite this recognition, empirical research examining the specific impact of 21st CCLC programs on school day engagement, particularly within large urban school districts like New York City (NYC), remains limited. This proposal aims to investigate the influence of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs on school day engagement among students in grades 6-12 in New York City (NYC) public schools. The study will analyze data from the 2022-2023 academic year, comparing a subset of schools with 21st CCLC programs to those without. Using survey responses exclusively from students in grades 6-12, the analysis will explore various dimensions of school day engagement, including attendance rates, classroom participation, perceived academic interest, and overall satisfaction with the learning environment. Disaggregated analyses will be conducted to examine potential disparities in program effectiveness across different student populations based on demographic factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. This approach will provide insights into how the benefits of 21st CCLC programs may vary among diverse student groups within the NYC school system. This research seeks to highlight the important role that afterschool programs, particularly 21st CCLC programs, play in fostering school day engagement among middle and high school students. By examining the influence of these programs on various aspects of engagement through the analysis of NYC Public School Survey data, this study aims to inform evidence-based practices that optimize the impact of afterschool programming. Ultimately, the goal is to contribute to the creation of a more supportive and engaging learning environment for middle and high school students in NYC.