The Commission on Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (the OST Commission) is a public body composed of engaged residents and representatives from government agencies, and who support equitable access to high-quality OST programs for District youth. The Commission provides resources and support to ensure a citywide system of high-quality OST programs.
Interested in Serving as a Commissioner?
The Commission on Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes is currently accepting applications from stakeholders who are committed to supporting equitable access to high-quality OST programs in the District of Columbia. Parents and youth are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested parties should complete this brief application.
The Commission, when fully staffed, is comprised of 21 members who represent key community stakeholder constituencies or are District agency administrative heads or their designees. The current members of the OST Commission are:
- Dr. Kelly Rudd Safran, Director of Special Populations and Programs, Office of the State Superintendent of Education (Chair)
- Andrea Jones, Parent/Community Member (Vice –Chair)
- Marcus Coates, Chief, Community Recreation, Department of Parks and Recreation
- Margot Berkey, Specialist, Out of School Time Programs, DC Public Schools
- Matt Hanson, Chief of Staff, DC Action for Children
- Kierra Jenkins, Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator, DC Public Charter School Board
- Joanne Seelig Lamparter, Artistic Director of Education and Theatre for Change, Imagination Stage
- Walter Peacock, Data Specialist Department of Insurance Securities & Banking, Bank on DC
- Bijan Verlin, Legislative Policy Advisor, Office of Chairman Phil Mendelson
- Dr. Shontia Lowe, Executive Director, Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (ex-officio)
Over the next three years, the Commission and the OST Office will focus on the following strategic priorities to achieve our vision. Each strategic priority must remain anchored in our values of youth voice, equity, commitment to learning, and mutual respect and responsibilities.
2023-2026 OST Strategic Plan
The Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) Strategic Plan is grounded in the umbrella vision of Universal Out of School Time (OST) access inclusive of Afterschool for All, the findings from the DC Policy Center’s OST Needs Assessment, and ongoing stakeholder input collected by the OST Office, including but not limited to community members, the OST Commission, the OST Commission Committees, and the DME and OST Office staff. NOTE: At the request of the OST Commission, this plan may be subject to updates on an annual or biennial basis, based on the current and evolving needs of children and youth across the District of Columbia.
For additional questions, or concerns please email [email protected].
