| Many recent studies, both popular and academic, have focused attention on the life prospects of children. A subset of these studies aims to determine the factors that contribute to educational success. One factor that has been relatively overlooked in the literature is whether association with a religious institution can contribute to educational success. This study aims to shed light on the contribution of religious participation during the teen years to graduation from high school or completion of an equivalent, and total years of educational attainment.; Results of analysis provide evidence that support the claim that religious participation contributes to successful educational outcomes for teens. The timing and nature of this participation matters, and benefits are limited to subgroups of the population. Many forms of "secular participation" (sports and non-sport activities) are as effective as religious participation, and can provide additional rather than substitute benefits.; Public policy cannot promote religious participation, but it can remove obstacles to participation and help religious organizations to become more effective without violating legal principles governing the separation of church and state and establishment of religion. Future study should focus on comparing the relative efficacy of religious and secular participation and exploring the role that organizational characteristics contribute to that efficacy. |
