A-Rod part of Boys & Girls Club's Campaign 3 P.M.

If there's any doubt about the value of after-school programs, consider this recent statistic from research conducted by Vanderbilt University -- the cost of a single life of crime is $1.3 million, compared to the cost of a membership in a quality after-school program, that can run as low as $10 a year.

If you think just because you have no school-age children this data is of little or no value to you, consider the evidence that after-school programs benefit not only families, but entire communities. According to the FBI, stuctured after-school programs have been shown to reduce crime, drug use and vandalism.

Lastly, when surveyed by George Mason University in 1999, police chiefs nationwide said, "If the U.S. does not make greater investments in after-school and educational child care programs to help children and youth now, we will pay far more later in crime, welfare and other costs."

These statistics coupled with the fact that every day in America, when the school bell rings, some 15 million young people go home or into the streets where there is no adult supervision, is the rationale behind Boys & Girls Clubs of America's (B&GCA) "Campaign 3 p.m."

Campaign 3 P.M. is a call-to-action for every child in America to be involved in a safe, structured and supervised program during the hours of 3-8 p.m. -- the time during which juvenile crime doubles.

We also know from education and law enforcement experts that after-school programs improve academic achievement, keep kids safe, help working families, and teach children important social skills and conflict resolution.

After-school programs have also been shown to increase school attendance and decrease the dropout rate.

Because the message behind Campaign 3 P.M. is so important, B&GCA has focused its new public service advertising campaign, debuting this fall, on this initiative. Featuring Boys & Girls Club alum and all-star shortstop for the Texas Rangers Alex Rodriguez, this multi-media public service advertisement is produced in both English and Spanish.

Rodriguez is living proof after-school programs like Boys & Girls Clubs really work. He attended the Hank Kline Boys & Girls Club in Miami after school while his mother worked two jobs to keep the family together. Club director Eddie Rodriguez (no relation) became a best friend and mentor to Alex.

"For me, Eddie was the one person I could always count on," Rodriguez said. "Eddie taught me the importance of setting goals, hard work and believing in myself.

"In fact, Eddie continues to provide me with wise counsel today and that's why I want to do the same for the youngsters who might choose to follow in my footsteps," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez is not the only alum who knows the value of attending a Boys & Girls Club.

Ron Sargent, chairman/CEO of Staples, echoes his feelings, "Like Alex, I found caring adults, character-building programs and opportunity at the Boys & Girls Club. I went to the Club in Covington, Kentucky and can vouch for the benefits of having a program that provides a safe, structured environment for learning."

If you are a parent concerned about the shortage of quality after-school programs in your community, here are ways you can help:

Volunteer: Whatever your background and interests, you can have an impact on young lives. Contact your after-school program to learn about their short-term and long-term needs.

Donate: Help after-school programs in your community by donating books or sports equipment or making a financial contribution.

Shop at the local retailers who support after-school programs like those offered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Communicate: Tell others in your community about the importance of after-school programs.

This article is courtesy of ARA Content.