A look at the 21st Century Grant, that funds after-school programs in Newton County, has shown that participation in the programs benefits the county's at-risk students, improves test scores and increases the chance for graduation and educational confidence. Deena Sams, the coordinator for parent involvement and after-school programs for the Newton County School System gave a presentation to the board on the grants, along with statistics - both locally and nationally - that show regular participation in high-quality after school programs was linked to significant grains in standardized test