The project's focus was to obtain a second timepoint regarding uptake of the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) physical activity standards in a national sample of afterschool sites using an online survey. The report compares findings from the 2013 and 2014 surveys, and presents findings comparing online survey data on the types of physical activity offered in respondents' sites with more detailed interview data.

According to the study, over 10 million U.S. children participated in afterschool programs in 2014, almost half from low-income households (Afterschool Alliance, 2014). Because of their reach and focus, out-of-school time (OST) programs are a promising setting for promoting healthy eating and reducing obesity risk. The National AfterSchool Association Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (NAA HEPA) standards were designed to help OST programs with this task. The NAA board of directors adopted the HEPA standards in 2011.

The study has found that the impact of the NAA HEPA standards has been considerable.

"Large national organizations including Y USA, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, National Recreation and Park Association, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America have integrated the standards (in whole or in part) into sizable programmatic initiatives. A 2014 press release about Partnership for a Healthier America noted that by 2020 at least 5 million children will attend programs that have made formal commitments to implementing the NAA HEPA standards (White House Office of the First Lady, 2014). In addition, states have considered regulations that include adaptations of the standards, with legislation enacted in California in 2014 and efforts underway in other states including Florida, South Carolina and Texas. In addition, the NAA HEPA standards influenced content within the current Council on Accreditation standards for OST programs."

Click here to download a copy of the "Monitoring the Uptake of National AfterSchool Association Physical Activity Standards" study.