Middle school students' perceptions of an arts-based after-school program: Focus group results

After school hours (i.e., from 3:00-6:00p.m.) are the prime time for youth to engage in health risk behaviors. Further, the integration of the arts into after school programming can reinforce student learning. A community based arts infused after school enrichment pilot program was implemented in two urban middle schools in the southeast. The purpose of the program was to enhance students' academic performance and to promote positive youth development. The intervention activities involved transporting students to four community partner sites for instruction and participation in studio art, performance arts, and nature appreciation. A public showcase of student work and performances served as a capstone event at the end of the school year. As part of program evaluation activities, nine focus groups with participating 6th grade students (n=71; 57.7% female, 100.0% African American) were conducted. The groups were audiotaped; the tapes were transcribed verbatim and imported into NVivo for analysis. Recurrent themes were examined across all of the focus groups to gain an understanding of students' perceptions of and suggestions for the program. Results indicate that students viewed the program favorably, liked participating in “new things,” participated in a variety of arts and nature based activities, and thought the “teachers were cool.” Students gave suggestions for enhancing the program to include: changing partner sites during the year, reducing the academic assignments, adding a physical activity component, and adding more music related activities. Findings were disseminated to program stakeholders and utilized to enhance future programming.