The value of community-university partnerships for quality afterschool programming

Dublin Core

Title

The value of community-university partnerships for quality afterschool programming

Description

MS Ed: Teaching Literacy

Abstract

This exploratory study closely documents and examines two afterschool programs (Tech Kids Unlimited and Los Promotores P.S. 20 Literacy Program) that were developed using a community-university partnership model with the Wagner College Education Department during the 2014-2015 academic year. Using a framework that closely documents, analyzes, and assesses program quality, this study explores how partnerships can help meet the growing demand for high-quality afterschool programs and highlights the need for addressing and supporting at-risk groups, specifically in urban areas. Using a three-part mixed methods approach, the study included participant observer fieldwork, two pre-service educator surveys, and interviews from associated professors and program leaders in these community-university partnerships. Seventeen Wagner College pre-service educators were surveyed after working in one or both educational partnerships to explore how they were prepared and to learn more about their experiences programs, Findings highlight the need college students to perceive they are participating in a organized structure in order to effectively plan and support these afterschool. Furthermore, findings suggest that when college students have relevant professional development activities, previous background with the population, and opportunities for reflection, they have a more positive sense of the impact the community-university model. Program improvements are discussed to promote positive adaptations for college students in future partnership programs. This study found that qualitative research can potentially improve current programs and shed light to the potential impact of the community-university model for quality afterschool programming at small, urban universities.

Creator

Colitz, Tatum

Date Accepted

2015

Contributor

DeMoss, Karen
Frumkin, Rhoda
Gordon, David

Rights

U.S. and international copyright laws may protect this work. It is provided by Wagner College for scholarly or research purposes only. Commercial use or distribution is not permitted without prior permission of the copyright holder.

Is Part Of

Wagner College Electronic Thesis Collection

Format

application/pdf

Extent

162 pages

Language

eng

Type

Text

Identifier

Ed_2015_Colitz_Value

Citation

Colitz, Tatum, “The value of community-university partnerships for quality afterschool programming,” Wagner College Archives and Special Collections, accessed March 29, 2024, https://wagnercollections.omeka.net/items/show/17468.