DURHAM, N.H. – Higher-income youth are twice as likely to be employed and one-and-a-half times as likely to participate in extracurricular activities as their lower-income counterparts, according to new research released by the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire. Keeping youth busy after school has been shown to positively impact achievement in school and future earnings.

The research also found that more urban youth participate in extracurricular activities than rural youth, but rural youth are more likely to be employed than urban youth. In addition, the share of youth who are reading, watching TV and using electronics is comparable across income groups, but lower-income youth report participating in these activities for longer hours than their higher-income counterparts.

“This research brings to light an important issue in education,” said Sarah Leonard, a doctoral student in education and a research assistant in the Carsey School. “Policy makers and school systems may consider creating spaces for youth to participate in extracurricular activities across all income ranges by making participation affordable and accessible for everyone.”

The full report can be found here: https://carsey.unh.edu/publication/after-the-bell

The Carsey School of Public Policy conducts research, leadership development, and engaged scholarship relevant to public policy. They address pressing challenges, striving for innovative, responsive, and equitable solutions at all levels of government and in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.