Compared to students who spent one to four hours a week in extracurricular activities, students who did not participate were 57 percent more likely to drop out of school, 49 percent more likely to use drugs, 37 percent more likely to become teen parents, 35 percent more likely to smoke cigarettes and 27 percent more likely to be arrested.

“At least this way, they’re not just sitting at home by themselves, munching on whatever they can find in the house and watching television,” said Belinda DeMoss, director of the Joplin Family YMCA’s after-school program.

Power Hour

But Gorham and some other local program directors believe those hours after school can do more than just keep children out of trouble. The Boys and Girls of America has earned national attention for its Power Hour program that has children do their homework, with tutoring help before they can play. In May of this year, the Wal-Mart Foundation donated $700,000 to the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning in Lawrence, Kan., to develop a tutoring model based on Power Hour that can be used elsewhere.

Although it’s not her favorite part of the day, Tori Merriam, 11, Joplin, said if it wasn’t for Power Hour, there would be days her homework might not get done.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to do your homework,” she said.

Not satisfied to be baby-sitters, the Boys and Girls Club has gone beyond academic tutoring.

The CareerLaunch program allows students to explore different careers; the Citigroup program teaches financial responsibility and planning; SMART Moves emphasizes physical activity, nutrition and wellness; the Torch Club prepares children for future roles in student government; and Club Tech and the Tech Tools for Teens teach basic computer and electronic equipment skills.

The Boys and Girls Club also has a SMART Girls program and a Passport to Manhood program for boys that teach about the physical, emotional and mental changes during adolescence, as well as the importance of hygiene and a strong sense of self-worth.

“The idea is to break the cycle,” said Amy Malone, Joplin Boys and Girls Club development director and a former club member. “A lot of our members come from broken homes, and they don’t always have good role models.”

These programs provide positive role models in staff members and help students resist peer pressure.

The Boys and Girls Club also feeds dinner to every club member who wants it. Malone said a recent survey of club members showed that some would have gone without dinner each day without the club’s meal.

Growing need

The need for these types of programs may increase. The U.S. Census Bureau reported in July that more than 32.7 million children in the United States have both parents (married and unmarried) working. In addition, there are 12.9 million one-parent families in the country. And in the midst of turbulence in a variety of economic markets, more parents may be heading off to work than ever.

“It’s getting to where both parents have to work,” said Tawnjia Johnson, Joplin, who’s step-daughter, Khali, 6, attends the Joplin Boys and Girls Club every day.