Researchers from Developmental Studies Center (DSC) conducted an evaluation study of the AfterSchool KidzLit® program during the 2001–02 school year.

Findings of this evaluation included the following:

• Participants showed significant increases in the amount of reading overall.


• Participants showed significant increases in their positive feelings about their reading ability.


• Among Spanish-speaking youth, there were significant increases from pre- to post-test in the proportion of correct words that were answered in English.


• Fourth-graders showed positive effects related to social/ethical attitudes and behaviors, including:
  
  
  • Significant increases in concern for others
  
  
  • Significant increases in altruistic behavior
    (These variables were not assessed at second grade.)


• Benefits for participating youth reported by youth workers, included:
  
  
  • Greater ability to think critically and express ideas verbally
  
  
  • Greater understanding of self and others

Download a printable summary of the study