Out-of-School Time (OST) programs play a crucial role in child and youth development, serving as a bridge between school, home, and the community. They offer structured environments where young people can engage in meaningful activities, build relationships, and develop essential life skills. OST programs foster personal growth, academic support, career exploration, and social-emotional development. Since the release of the National Academies' 2002 foundational report, Community Programs for Youth Development (the "Blue Book"), OST programs have evolved significantly.
The Future of Youth Development examines the effectiveness of OST programs and identifies access and quality improvements. This book describes the array of OST activities; evaluates their effectiveness in promoting learning, development, and well-being; outlines improvements to existing policies and regulations to increase program access and quality; and lays out a research agenda that would strengthen the OST evidence base. The conclusions and recommendations of The Future of Youth Development will guide and support a sustainable OST system that meets the evolving needs of young people across the country.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2025. The Future of Youth Development: Building Systems and Strengthening Programs. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
Sign in to access your saved publications, downloads, and email
preferences.
Former MyNAP users: You'll need to reset your password on your first
login to MyAcademies. Click "Forgot password" below to receive a reset
link via email. Having trouble?
Visit our FAQ page
to contact support.
Members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of
Engineering, or National Academy of Medicine should log in through their
respective Academy portals.
Register
Register
Thank You
Thank You
Thank you for creating a MyAcademies account!
Enjoy free access to thousands of National Academies' publications, a
10% discount off every purchase, and build your personal library.
Forgot Password
Forgot Password
Enter the email address for your MyAcademies (formerly MyNAP) account to
receive password reset instructions.
Reset Requested
Reset Requested
We sent password reset instructions to
your email
. Follow the link in that email to create a new password. Didn't receive
it? Check your spam folder or
contact us
for assistance.
We sent a verification link to your email. Please check your inbox (and
spam folder) and follow the link to verify your email address. If you
did not receive the email, you can request a new verification link below