Appendix
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Introduction and Summary
The key criterion for selection was that the program target at-risk children and youth. "Risk" was defined using a variety of socioeconomic indicators.
The programs profiled are based in local communities; the few national initiatives included all have community sites.
The survey focuses on programs that operate outside public school curricula and jurisdiction. They serve young people up to age 24. Young adults ages 19-24 were included because the transition to the work force is such an important juncture in young lives.
For a program to have an impact, youth must be active participants over a sustained period of time. Cultural programs that focus exclusively on exposure to the arts and the humanities, one-time or very sporadic programs are not included.
The programs surveyed focus on child and youth development as an expressed goal. Programs concentrating only on pre-professional training were considered outside the scope of this survey.
1 Several criteria were used in selecting programs to survey. These criteria were not applied rigidly, but functioned as guidelines. Not all of the programs conform to all of the guidelines. Those few exceptions include programs that offer readers
useful insights.
