Serving as tutors, providing homework assistance, and introducing a range of learning and recreational activities drawing upon their many skills, these undergraduates significantly enhance the opportunities available to participating elementary and middle school students. Articulation with college outreach initiatives has been a component of the work of UCI's Collaborative After School Project. After School Activities Program participated in a multi-faceted early academic outreach program which included visiting UCI and experiencing campus outreach activities. After School Project also undertook a partnership focused on studying the 4-H program's college outreach activities. This kind of research is needed to expand the knowledge base concerning effective collaboration between early academic outreach activities and after school programs serving groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Higher education has an important and broad role to play in research on after school programs.
This is a new social institution warranting considerable study. This research has demonstrated the significant effects of length and degree of participation on program outcomes. Studies by UCI's Collaborative After School Project have documented the demand for and availability of after school programs, as well as needs and options for staff training and certification. Another major role for higher education is training staff for after school programs. In 1999, California became the first state in the nation to adopt a training and certification structure for after school program staff.