Legislative intent — Findings

1. Law
2. Arkansas Code
3. Education
4. General Provisions
5. Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Elementary, Secondary, and Higher Education
6. The Positive Youth Development Grant Program
7. Legislative intent — Findings

1. (a) It is the intent of the General Assembly to expand the availability of positive youth development programs that incorporate the standards and recommendations of the Governor's Task Force on Best Practices for After-School and Summer Programs, including without limitation:

   1. (1) School-based and school-linked afterschool and summer programs;

   2. (2) 21st Century Community Learning Centers;

   3. (3) Boys and Girls Clubs of America;

   4. (4) Young Men's Christian Associations;

   5. (5) 4-H clubs; and

   6. (6) School-age care programs.

2. (b) The General Assembly finds that:

   1. (1) Positive youth development programs:

      1. (A) Support working families by ensuring their children and youth are safe and productive during out-of-school time;

      2. (B) Build strong communities by involving students, parents, business leaders, and adult volunteers in the lives of young people in positive and productive activities, including tutoring, games, and activities designed to improve math and literacy skills;

      3. (C) May include community-based service and other experiences that offer rich and varied academic support and build workforce skills critical to employment and future economic success; and

      4. (D) Provide safe, challenging, engaging, and supervised learning experiences that help children and youth develop their educational, social, emotional, and physical skills where the assets and strengths of youth are emphasized rather than problems or deficits; and

   2. (2) Students participating in positive youth development programs:

      1. (A) Have higher daily school attendance;

      2. (B) Report higher aspirations toward finishing school and going to college;

      3. (C) Have fewer discipline problems;

      4. (D) Show significant gains in standardized test scores;

      5. (E) Are more likely to have a positive view of themselves and their hope for the future;

      6. (F) Cultivate positive bonds with people and institutions that are reflected in their exchange with peers, family, school, and community; and

      7. (G) Are far less likely to use drugs and alcohol, have contact with police and the juvenile court system, or engage in sexual activity and other harmful or risky behaviors.

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