Stanford University School of Education, July 2003

Executive Summary
Full Report

The Youth Voices study aimed to learn from young people participating in five San Francisco Beacon Centers how they felt about their involvement in the program, because youth are often the best reporters and advisors on whether and how an environment feels welcoming, safe, supportive and fun. Research was conducted over two years and included focus groups, case study interviews, and interviews and observations with youth ethnographers. Through this research, key features of Beacon Centers that were especially valuable to participants were identified. The report concludes with suggestions for the after school field based on the youth’s responses.