Benefits of an Out-of-School Time Program on Social-Emotional Learning among Disadvantaged Adolescent Youth: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Although it is assumed out-of-school time (OST) programs can have long term positive outcomes on the social-emotional learning (SEL) of youth, few studies have explored their benefits in a retrospective analysis. Based on retrospective accounts of 194 alumni (age 15-30 years), the present study assessed the self-perceived benefits on different dimensions of social-emotional learning (SEL) after completing the three years Weekendschool program for students between 10-14 years in the Netherlands. Alumni look back positively on the perceived benefits after having completed the program. The results of linear mixed models show that alumni report higher levels of self-management, self-awareness and future perspective when living in an urban area compared to those participating in provincial areas. Students from preparatory vocational secondary education were significantly more positive about their experiences compared to alumni from other school types. When alumni took part in a national follow-up program, they were more positive on all SEL dimensions.