Research strongly indicates that low-income youth, particularly those of color who are overrepresented in poverty, have lower levels of academic performance than their higher-income peers. It has been suggested that community-based out-of-school programs can play an important role in reducing these academic differences. This study examined the effect of the YMCA High School Youth Institute on the grades, test scores, and school attendance of urban high school youth using a randomly selected matched comparison group. Those involved in the program had significantly higher English-language art and math standardized test scores and somewhat fewer absences than the comparison group. Active program participants had significantly higher academic grade-point averages (GPAs) and math test scores as well as somewhat higher total GPA. The findings suggest that high-quality out-of-school programs can positively influence the academic performance of low-income youth. Implications for practice are discussed.
