6 Tips to Promote Youth Engagement in Learning

August 2, 2021

Engaging youth in learning is critical. Research has found important links between levels of youth engagement and student achievement and persistence in school. Increasing youth engagement is also an effective way to approach behavior management/classroom management.

How do out-of-school time programs know whether they are successfully engaging youth? Data is a powerful tool to use for measurement and improvement. Starting in spring 2022, 21st Century Community Learning Center programs may need to report on student engagement in learning as part of revised GPRA measures required by the U.S. Department of Education.

The APAS System is a comprehensive, field-tested suite of assessment tools (quality observation tool and youth outcomes tools) to measure and link program quality and youth outcomes, including youth engagement in learning. The APAS tools were co-developed by NIOST and the Massachusetts 21st Century Community Learning Center Program. APAS can assist you in aligning quality improvement efforts with desired youth outcomes, creating an improvement plan, and using data to inform both.

Below are a few tips to boost youth engagement in your program. Contact us to learn more about how NIOST can help you measure and improve youth engagement and other desired youth outcomes.

Infographic with tips to boost youth engagement in learning

View infographic as a PDF.

  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST has been an anchor for numerous school age care projects we do, including ASQ (After-School Quality) and Links to Learning. They are a nationally respected organization that Pennsylvania has partnered with for over 20 years."



    – Betsy O. Saatman, TA Specialist/SAC Initiatives, Pennsylvania Key
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    – Priscilla M. Little, Initiative Manager, The Wallace Foundation

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    – Jane Quinn, Vice President and Director of National Center for Community Schools, Children's Aid Society
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The National Institute on Out-of-School Time

A program of the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College

Wellesley Centers for Women
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