What's open up to 15 hours a day, six days a week, 52 weeks a year, and can combine all the best elements of a school, community center, public library and medical clinic? The answer is one of dozens of schools identified as Community Schools for Excellence in a new Ad Council campaign. Learn more about these innovative schools, and the Ad Council's efforts.

How do you really help kids stay on track for academic success? Hook them up with a caring adult and engage them in learning-rich activities, says Dr. Reg Clark, author of "Family Life and School Achievement: Why Poor Black Children Succeed or Fail." These are the keynotes of Project LEARN, a model for after-school programs. Read a summary of the American Youth Policy Forum briefing on Project LEARN online.

While 92 percent of Americans think youth in their communities need a safe and structured place to go after school, only 30 percent of children in America have access to afterschool programs. Afterschool.gov connects you to federal dollars that support programs for children and youth during after-school hours, including a database of more than 100 grant and loan programs.

Research shows the need for children to learn and develop in safe and drug-free environments outside of regular school hours. Benefits of Schools as Community Learning Centers describes how we can give our children opportunities to enhance their learning and be involved in enriching activities in convenient, caring environments. For a copy of the full report, Keeping Schools Open as Community Learning Centers, call the US Department of Education at 1-800-USA-LEARN.

Experts agree there are both benefits and detriments to participation in youth sports. The Institute for the Study of Youth Sports (YSI) at Michigan State University conducts research and provides educational materials for coaches, officials, administrators, and parents to help kids get the most out of physical activity. Explore past issues of Spotlight on Youth Sports, YSI's newsletter covering issues on the youth sports scene.

The National Association of Elementary School Principals suggests ways to help your child have a safe and productive summer.

Want to help kids stay alcohol- and drug-free, while making use of the latest technology? The National PTA offers tips for adults to be strong role models for kids, set guidelines and enforce rules, get the facts about drugs and alcohol, and identify resources and hotlines.