Let’s Talk About Quality: How Equitable Funding and Program Structure Impact Academic and Social Outcomes in Supplemental Education Programs

Author

Inayah Ansari, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

2-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

Liberal Studies

Advisor

Jan Valle

Subject Categories

Early Childhood Education | Other Education

Keywords

early childhood education, afterschool, social emotional learning, cognitive development, funding, program structure

Abstract

Although many studies have highlighted how high–quality supplemental education programs (early childhood education and after-school programs) help children and adolescents reach developmental milestones faster, very few studies focus on how programs are structured to create the quality that produces positive outcomes. In this paper, I define quality as equitable funding and program structure and interrogate how this conception of quality determines cognitive and social-emotional benefits, particularly for programs in New York City. Using fiscal data and study reviews, I illuminated the impact of budget cuts on programs and the importance of funding. Using a thematic analysis of six interviews conducted with participants, I identify four main indicators of program structure and practices that help produce high-quality outcome: engagement and retention, curriculum, activities, and staff and participant relationships. This paper not only demonstrates the importance of continued research with a focused lens on the elements that make these programs high-quality but also provides insights for growing more high-quality programs.

Recommended Citation

Ansari, Inayah, "Let’s Talk About Quality: How Equitable Funding and Program Structure Impact Academic and Social Outcomes in Supplemental Education Programs" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6091