Come on back: enhancing youth development through school/community collaboration.

With the implementation of the federal "No Child Left Behind" Education Act, schools in America are under increased pressure to demonstrate academic success through higher test scores. Academic leaders are increasingly recognizing that the issues that students confront are not unique to the school setting but are issues of the larger community. Stronger links need to be forged between those working with our youth in schools and those providing needed services in the community. The following case study describes "Come On Back," an after-school program in Utica, New York, that targets students who are most at risk for dropping out of school and experiencing academic failure. The students were involved both as participants and planners for Come On Back activities. This collaboration applied youth development principles to improve young people's connection to school. Come On Back provides an example of how youth development partnerships between schools and communities can also be used to improve academic performance.