Advancing Achievement: Findings from an Independent Evaluation of a Major After School Initiative

This report presents outcomes research on the Communities Organizing Resources to Advance Learning (CORAL) after-school initiative. The initial CORAL philosophy reflected best practices in the fields of youth development programming and community initiatives, including an emphasis on consistent staffing to promote positive adult-youth relationships, and policies and practices designed to foster regular and ongoing youth participation. The report includes findings on the relationship between high-quality literacy programming and academic gains, and the potential role that quality programs may play in improving academic achievement.