To help communities meet the need for after-school programs, the U.S. Department of Education has instituted the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which supports after-school, summer, and weekend activities in neighborhood schools. This report provides an introduction to the role of the arts in those programs. Part 1 of the report summarizes research findings about the arts and after-school programs. Part 2 describes eight key elements of successful programs: (1) goal setting, strong management, and sustainability; (2) quality after-school staffing; (3) attention to safety, health, and nutrition; (4) effective partnerships with community-based organizations, juvenile justice agencies, law enforcement, and youth groups; (5) strong family involvement; (6) enriching learning opportunities; (7) linkages between school-day and after- school personnel; and (8) evaluation of program progress and effectiveness. Part 3 of the report showcases partnerships between schools and community-based organizations in Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Florida, and New Mexico. Part 4 describes the role of the Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Arts, focusing on the Partnership for Family Involvement in Education. Part 5 delineates web sites and Department of Education publications relevant to the arts and after-school programming.

This report provides a brief introduction to the role of the arts in after school programs. It consists of a brief summary of recent research findings about both arts and after school programs, a description of the key elements of successful programs and some key examples that showcase partnerships between schools and community-based organizations.