new messiah: After-school programs, The

Group, Sep/Oct 1998

Every so often, politicians, schools, parents, churches, and youth organizations agree on a strategy to protect kids from themselves-to hold the line on youth violence, drug abuse, sexual activity, and other at-risk behaviors.

Today's reigning strategy involves after-school nroarams Between five and seven million kids come home to parentless environments every day. And the juvenile crime rate triples in the first full hour after school (3-4 p.m.).

In an effort to fill the void, President Clinton announced $40 million in grants for existing after-school programs, and asked Congress for $1 billion more to plant and support future programs. First lady Hillary Clinton says, "It is essential that we give our children something positive to do and provide them with adult supervision after school." And Attorney General Janet Reno says after-school activities are key because teenagers "are looking for something to do in the afternoon, and not just sports."

Old and new ways organizations are responding to the challenge:

*"Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs" is an after-school fishing program that targets kids 5 to 18. It's now in 1,000 schools in 36 states, with a halfmillion kids participating.

* Researchers at the Women's Sports Foundation say that teenage girls who participate in after-school sports are less likely to get pregnant, have fewer sexual partners, postpone sex until later, and are more likely to use contraceptives when they do have sex.

*A California youth pastor is using sumo wrestling matches, "inflatable boxing" bouts, and other "extreme" competitions to entice kids away from beach parties. Youth leader Rob Speers says kids flock to the events, where the gospel is preached at the midway point.