Hours of Opportunity

The recent “Hours of Opportunity” research report from the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research organization, validates what 3 Rivers Connect and our partners have been touting for years. The use of rich data systems to assess and deliver programs truly makes a difference. The study examines coordinated efforts in Boston, Chicago, New York, Providence and Washington, D.C. to improve and widen the reach of out-of-school-time as part of a Wallace Foundation initiative launched in 2003.

“Cities that offer high-quality, highly accessible after-school and out-of-school-time programs can help children develop to their fullest potential,” said Jennifer Sloan McCombs, the report's lead author and an education policy researcher at RAND. “Our research finds that the most successful efforts coordinate their assets and resources citywide, enjoy strong support and leadership from their mayors, and they use rich data systems to assess and deliver their programs.” According to the study, the regular collection, reporting and analysis of data through digital information systems empowered communities to make crucial decisions about their programs. The study also found that investments in data collection and analysis have multiplier effects. Management information systems that collect data on student enrollment, attendance and demographics allow cities to assess success, improve programs, and make the case for continued or increased funding.

3 Rivers Connect has been dedicated to the development of an information system for afterschool in our region since the inception of the Southwestern PA Afterschool Resource Collaboration (SPARC – link to project page of 3rc site) project in 2005. Since then, 3 Rivers Connect has been a key partner in the out-of-school-time systems building efforts with a strong commitment to the development of data systems for this sector.

To learn more about the “Hours of Opportunity” research, click here.