Message from the Mayor
We know learning can happen any time, any place, anywhere---which is why we are launching the Learn24 initiative. For many young people, learning continues outside the school day with music lessons, sports, academic support, mentoring, and other activities. Unfortunately, students who typically have the greatest need for additional enrichment are least likely to access it. Through Learn24, we will replace a patchwork of fragmented service providers with a cohesive team that includes public agencies, service providers, businesses, funders, and schools collaborating together to raise the quality of out-of-school-time programming. Together, we will engage, motivate, and encourage students to Learn24!
- Mayor Muriel Bowser
Learn24 is a network of afterschool and summer opportunities supported by the Bowser Administration to ensure children and youth in the District have access to quality educational and enrichment activities beyond the school day.
A decade of research indicates that children and youth who regularly participate in quality afterschool and summer programs benefit in terms of their academic performance, social and emotional learning, and health and wellness. In addition, youth who participate in Out of School Time (OST) programs have improved school attendance; higher graduation rates; lower dropout rates; stronger academic performance, and improved positive behaviors and work habits.
Learn24 supports access to and cultivation of high-quality OST programs by:
- Building the skills for adults who work with children and youth in OST programs through workshops and conferences organized by The Institute for Youth Development.
- Working directly with OST program leaders and staff through observation, assessment and coaching to improve the program design and implementation.
- Communicating the importance of quality to key stakeholders to increase accountability across the network of OST providers.
- Measuring and reporting on outcomes for children and youth across the network.
The Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes, located in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education and informed by the Mayor’s Commission on Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes, leads the Learn24 network.
Vision
Children and youth across the District have equitable access to high quality out-of-school-time programs.
Purpose
Learn24 supports equitable access to high-quality, out-of-school-time programs for District of Columbia youth through coordination among government agencies, targeted grant-making, data collection and evaluation, and the provision of training, capacity building and technical assistance to OST providers.
