Knowledge Projects

Boston Beyond works to identify information needs, conduct research and evaluation, and compile findings to better understand the current state of the field and promising practices.

Parents Survey

Boston Beyond commissioned research that randomly sampled 612 parents about their experiences, preferences and perceptions of after-school programs. Among the findings: Participation in after-school programs among 6 through 14 year olds in BPS has more than doubled over the last 8 years to 53%.  Nearly 50% of Boston Public School students are participating in after-school programs. However, there is still a significant amount of unmet demand for after-school programs as 55% of parents whose children are not currently participating are interested in having their child participate in an after-school program. 

For more information contact Vickie Stringfellow, (617) 345-5322 ext. 230

Out-of-School Time Sustainability & Systems Study

Boston After School & Beyond and the Full-service Schools Roundtable have joined forces to conduct research that can advance the sustainability of student services in Boston, with a special focus on out-of-school time, community schooling, and systems collaboration. With funding from multiple sources, they have commissioned Community Matters and The Finance Project to do the study, which will generate data, provide analyses, and make recommendations for changes in local policy and practice that will lead to improved financing for these programs and services. The purpose of the report is to position Boston to take action to develop, expand, and sustain systems of high quality services that support the healthy development and academic success of Boston’s students through the strategic alignment of resources, the integration of diverse services impacting a single student, and use of best practices in financing and program implementation. It seeks to answer two questions:

  • How can Boston generate more and better services for students, during in-school and out-of-school time?
  • How can a more strategic and better integrated approach to delivery of services across systems and disciplines be financed and sustained?

For more information contact Mariel Gonzales, (617) 345-5322 ext. 110