Massachusetts After-School Research Study (MARS)

"This study provides valuable information on the importance of how to use time outside of schools effectively to augment learning for children and provide them with much needed support beyond academic. I particularly value the finding that the characteristics of the most effective programs are those that are relaxed and flexible. Too often we run programs as if we are all on treadmills when slowing the pace down increases the opportunities for more lasting learning."

David Driscoll, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Education

Phone: 781-338-3100, ddriscoll@doe.mass.edu



"As we move forward with expanding out-of-school time programs, we need to balance access with afordability and, most importantly, quality. United Way's report is key because it emphasizes how we can improve the quality of programming, and that in turn will help inform how we expand access, and make a compelling case for how to increase resources thoughtfully and effectively."

Ann Reale, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care

Phone: 617-988-6612, Ann.Reale@state.ma.us

“Results of The Massachusetts After-School Research Study (MARS) underscore growing evidence that staff members are critical to the success of after-school programs and to outcomes for youth. The results point to some important future directions for training and staff development, especially in the areas of project-based learning, group facilitation and reflection, and youth leadership. The study highlights the need to take workforce development, including training and compensation, seriously if we want to improve the quality of programs and the outcomes for youth in our state.”

Priscilla M.D.Little, Associate Director, Harvard Family Research Project

Phone: 617-495-9108, littlepr@gse.harvard.edu

"MARS takes us inside the "black box" of after-school programming and offers a range of important insights into what it is about these programs that matters for kids. It underscores what practitioners and young people have told us for years - that supportive, engaged staff are critical, but goes a step further to provide a theoretical framework for understanding how and why staff matter. As the field turns its attention to program quality and building the after-school workforce, MARS is a timely and important tool for practitioners, advocates and policymakers."

Karen Pittman, Executive Director, The Forum for Youth Investment

Phone: 202-207-3327, Fax: 202-207-3329, karen@forumforyouthinvestment.org



“Talent drives success. The assertion is true in the corporate corridors. But what MARS brilliantly demonstrates is that that assertion is just as valid in the corridors of
after-school programs. What came through is the overarching importance of staff engagement.
As CEO, I am consumed with the need to recruit, retain, support, and recognize talented staff. The positive correlation between having an adequate number of full-time, well compensated and supported staff who are strongly educated—and effective engagement of youth was unassailable.”

Linda Whitlock, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

Phone: 617-994-4704, LWhitlock@BGCB.org



“The MARS study finally gives us tangible evidence that quality after-school programs make a difference for our youth. Just as important, it outlines specific steps that policymakers can take to improve the future of Massachusetts’ after-school programs, from increasing staff competency to measuring program outcomes. This is a tremendous breakthrough for those of us who have been working to gain more support for the after-school field for years, and it will lead to more quality after-school programs and brighter futures for our youth in Massachusetts and beyond.”


Carol Glazer, Founder and Director, The After School Project

Phone: 646.277.2402, cglazer@theafterschoolproject.org