Does it pay to participate? Neighborhood-based organizations and the social development of urban adolescents

摘要: Abstract Research on the developmental gains associated with participation in youth-service organizations has not kept pace proliferation funding for these kinds of programs. Advocates describe them as important venues youth to connect mainstream institutions and promote social cognitive development, especially among underserved minority youth. Using data collected from 546 urban African-American mothers their children Chicago, we compare availability youth-serving poor non-poor neighborhoods consider whether some positive implications a number assets. A theoretical model is proposed mechanisms by which may be affected. The findings suggest that when available, locally based greater more disadvantaged youth's self-concept well academic commitment educational expectations. While also help prosocial neighborhood peers, school-based peers appear most friendship networks encouraging normative orientation toward attainment. policy are discussed terms ways develop competencies organized settings during after-school hours.