Complementary Learning: A New Look at an Old Idea?

Providing additional learning opportunities for children and youth has taken on different terms of late. Whether it is called "extended, expanded or extra learning opportunities", or "complementary learning", the intention is clear - children and youth learn in different ways and in different environments all throughout the day.

What is promising is that researchers, policymakers and funders are grappling with what these means in today's society and are beginning to collect research and write about how best to foster different types of learning experiences.

To learn more about the exciting efforts that are occurring all across the country, check out the section on the The Harvard Family Research Project's Complementary Learning web site.