September 2024
125 organizations across the District awarded $25M to expand after-school programs - Source: WUSA9
On Friday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that 125 nonprofit organizations would be awarded $25 million to expand out-of-school time programs.
'Afterschool in the City' fair offers DC parents, students a variety of activities - Source: WUSA9
A resource fair at the Deanwood Community Center on Saturday was open to D.C. parents and kids from all eight wards, offering multiple things to do after school.
$25 million in grants awarded to 125 DC nonprofits aimed at helping students - Source: ABC7
D.C. awarded $25 million in grants to 125 nonprofit organizations that offer free and low-cost programs that focus on academic achievement, performing arts, athletics, STEM, financial literacy and career preparation.
DC promotes more than 120 free after-school programs - Source: WTOP
D.C. parents and their school-age children spent time on Saturday browsing a gymnasium full of information about more than 120 after-school programs available free to the District’s young people.
Mayor Bowser Awards $25 Million to Expand Out-Of-School Time Programs for Over 15,000 Youth - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Mayor Muriel Bowser awarded $25.1 million to 125 nonprofit organizations offering a variety of free and low-cost out-of-school time (OST) programs focused on academic achievement, the performing arts, athletics, STEM, financial literacy, career preparation, and more. The grants, awarded by the Deputy Mayor for Education’s Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office), will provide OST opportunities for an estimated 15,000 students during the upcoming school year.
Mayor Bowser Encourages Families to Attend the 2nd Annual Afterschool in the City Resource Fair - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
As families begin the new school year, Mayor Muriel Bowser is encouraging families to attend the 2nd Annual Afterschool in the City resource fair on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, from 11 am to 2 pm at Deanwood Community Center. This annual resource fair connects District families with afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs and opportunities that are designed for children and youth ages 5-21 across the District.
August 2024
Mayor Bowser Celebrates First Day of School at Miner Elementary School - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
On Monday, August 26, 2024, Mayor Muriel Bowser, DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee, and the Department of General Services (DGS) Director Delano Hunter celebrated the first day of school at Miner Elementary School. On Thursday, August 29, DCPS will welcome pre-K students for the first day of school.
Mayor Bowser Highlights Resources for Youth and Families in the 2024 Back-to-School Guide - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Mayor Muriel Bowser released the 2024 Back to School Guide. The guide includes updated information on after school and out-of-school time programs, immunization requirements, transportation options and other resources available to families and students. Families can visit backtoschool.dc.gov to access the guide and find ways to start the school year strong.
DC Releases 2024 Statewide Assessment Results - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) released the results of the District’s statewide assessments in English language arts/literacy (ELA) and math that were taken in spring 2024 by students in grades 3-8 and high school. Overall, proficiency rates in math and ELA for school year 2024 are consistent with and ticking up slightly from 2022-23 school year proficiency rates, while some schools across the District experienced meaningful increases in proficiency rates.
Mayor Bowser Announces DPR Fall Programming Registration Opens on August 13 and 14 - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced that registration for DPR’s 2024 fall programming opens on Tuesday, August 13 for aquatics programs and Wednesday, August 14 for all other programs.
Mayor Bowser and DC Public Schools Celebrate First Day of Summer Bridge Program - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
On Monday, August 5, 2024, Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee celebrated incoming middle and high school students as they prepare for the new school year – and a new school experience – during a week-long immersion into the 6th and 9th grades. As students get ready to say good-bye to summer, attending Summer Bridge programming gives students a chance to learn about their new campuses, make friends, meet their teachers, and engage with school staff.
July 2024
Mayor Bowser to Visit a Department of Parks and Recreation Culinary Summer Camp – Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
On Monday, July 8, 2024, Mayor Bowser visited a DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) specialty summer camp, Kitchen Confidential Culinary Camp. Mayor Bowser joined the students in the Kenilworth Recreation Center teaching kitchen on the first day of camp for a taste test as they learn about the texture, smell, and taste of food.
June 2024
Mayor Bowser Highlights Programs to Support Youth and Families Throughout the Summer – Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Today, with the last day of school for students at DC Public Schools one week away, Mayor Muriel Bowser and leaders from across DC Government highlighted resources to help keep families and youth safe, healthy, and engaged over summer break, including more than 100 sites where youth will be able to access free meals. Throughout the summer, families will be able to go to summer.dc.gov to learn more about family-friendly things to do, places to go, and resources to support parents and youth.
May 2024
District Announces First Social and Emotional Learning Standards to Be Implemented Across All Public Schools – Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) has published the first-ever Districtwide K-Adult Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) standards for all DC Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools. The SEL standards aim to develop crucial skills that enable students to acquire and apply knowledge and attitudes necessary for developing a healthy identity, managing emotions, achieving personal and collective goals, showing empathy toward others, building and maintaining supportive relationships, and making responsible and caring decisions. The standards will be implemented in schools across the District beginning in the 2024-25 school year.
March 2024
At High School Decision Day Celebration, Mayor Bowser Awards $1.4 Million to Organizations Supporting Summer Programming and Announces $27.3 Million Investment in Out-of-School Time Programming – Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined Ida B. Wells Middle School for a High School Decision Day pep rally to celebrate middle school students’ enrollment in their future high schools, following the release of the My School DC lottery results for the 2024-25 school year. At the celebration, the Mayor and education leaders announced the awardees of more than $1.4 million in grants for the 2024 Summer Strong DC grants and also announced $27.3 million in her Fiscal Year 2025 budget to support out of school time programming.
February 2024
Mayor Bowser to Host 2nd Annual “Summer in the City” on April 6 to Connect Families with Summer Opportunities for DC Youth – Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) are inviting parents and families of school-aged youth to the 2nd annual Summer in the City, set to take place on Saturday, April 6 from 11 am to 2 pm at Raymond Elementary School in Ward 4. At the event, families will be able to connect with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations to learn more about the summer programs available to their students.
Beyond the Bell: Out-of-School Learning Programs Can Help Kids Catch Up and Excel – Source: National Conference of State Legislatures
Afterschool and summer learning programs emerge as ways to bridge the achievement gap and expand educational opportunities. Among the key trends of the 2022-23 legislative period were increased funding for afterschool initiatives, a heightened focus on learning recovery, collaboration with community-based organizations, efforts to measure program effectiveness, and support for flexible learning models.
January 2024
Mayor Bowser Awards Inaugural My Afterschool DC Grants to Expand Programming for District Youth – Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) awarded $3.1 million in grants through the My Afterschool DC program to expand afterschool time programming for DC’s youth. Funding was awarded to public charter schools and community-based organizations dedicated to providing youth with unique, enriching afterschool programming. The community-based organizations will serve students in public charter schools and DC Public Schools.
September 2023
Mayor Bowser Encourages Families to Attend ‘Afterschool in the City’ - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary: Sponsored by Learn24, the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office), and the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME), ‘Afterschool in the City’ will connect District families with afterschool and out-of-school time programs designed for District youth ages 5-21 ahead of the 2023-24 school year. District youth and families will hear from over 50 government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders about the various programming available to them.
Changing Lives, One Student At A Time - Source: Greater Washington Community Foundation
Summary: This Summer, The Community Foundation reached an exciting milestone, distributing more than $500,000 in funding to support at-risk students in DC. Established in 2021 through DC’s Learn 24 Office, The Community Foundation has distributed ‘Out of School Time’ (OST) scholarships to support more than 170 students and their families through a wide range of programs.
August 2023
Mayor Bowser Awards $22 Million to Community Organizations Providing Out-of-School Time Programming to More Than 15,000 District Youth - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary: Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser awarded $22 million to over 120 nonprofit organizations offering a range of free and low-cost out-of-school time programs focusing on academic achievement, creative and performing arts, athletics, STEM, financial literacy, career development, and more. Led by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education and Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), the 2023-24 series of grants from the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST) will create and expand out-of-school time opportunities for over 15,000 youth across the District this school year. This year’s recipients include organizations large and small, all focused on providing increased opportunities to District youth.
Mayor Bowser Awards $22 Million to Orgs. Providing Out-of-School Time Programs to DC Youth - Source: DC Mayor's Office Youtube Channel
Summary: Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn, Executive Director of the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes Dr. Shontia Lowe, Christina Grant is the State Superintendent of Education for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White and more attended College Track to announce the winners of the FY24 grant competitions.
2023 Back to School Guide - Source: Mayor Muriel Bowser Back to School Guide
Summary: This guide serves as a starting point, but also know that if you have any questions about how to help your child succeed, someone at your child’s school will be able to answer your questions and get you connected to the right resources.
DC Mayor Bowser awards $22 million to District organizations providing out-of-school time programs - Source: DC News Now
Summary: Mayor Muriel Bowser awarded $22 million to more than 120 nonprofit organizations that offer out-of-school programs, expanding opportunities for over 15,000 youths this school year. The out-of-school programs are free or low-cost and focus on academic achievement, creative and performing arts, athletics,STEM, and other focus areas. Recipients of the grant include large and small organizations focused on providing increased opportunities to District youth.
June 2023
Travel Program Broadens Horizons of At-Risk Teens - Source: NBC4
Summary: An organization uses travel to help at-risk youth change their perspectives and focus on their futures.
April 2023
Mayor Bowser Awards $3.6 Million to Support Organizations that Will Provide Summer Programming to More Than 2,900 Youth - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary: Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn announced a total of $3.6 million in grants for the 2023 Summer Strong DC Grant Competitions from the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office). Funds will be distributed to 42 nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia that provide school-aged youth ages 5-18 years old with access to summer programming. These funds are expected to support organizations serving more than 2,900 DC students.
March 2023
Upcoming Event to Highlight D.C. Summer Enrichment Programming - Source: The Washington Informer
Summary: As District parents embark on yet another endeavor to enroll their children in quality summertime programming, a collective of local agencies and community-based organizations are gearing up for an event that will allow for the exploration of various options.
January 2023
D.C. Mayor Bowser pledges to build robust afterschool programs in inaugural address - Source: Afterschool Alliance
Summary: Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) was sworn in for her third term on January 2, 2023. In her inaugural address, Mayor Bowser pledged to “build the most robust free before- and after-school programs in the nation” in her next term.
November 2022
Mayor Bowser Announces Funding for 113 Nonprofit Organizations to Increase Out-of-School Time Programming for 15,000 Youth - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary: Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced 113 nonprofit organizations that will receive grant funding from the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) to create and expand opportunities beyond the school day for approximately 15,000 school-aged youth. The $16.4 million investment will provide students with opportunities to access free or low-cost activities focused on academics, arts, athletics, dance, financial literacy, mentoring, music, social-emotional support, STEM, and much more. Families can explore available programming on the OST website through the Learn24 Program Finder.
July 2022
Mayor Bowser Announces $500,000 in Scholarships to Support District Families With Access to Out-of-School Time Programming - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary: Mayor Muriel Bowser encouraged District families to apply for scholarships to participate in approved out-of-school time (OST) programming under a new $500,000 program for school-aged youth. This new program will provide financial assistance that families can use to cover the cost of afterschool, weekend, summer, and other out-of-school time programs and activities. Scholarship funds can be used to help families cover enrollment fees and other costs associated with finding a program that meets the needs and passions of youth residing in the District.
April 2022
Mayor Bowser Awards $3.57 Million to Support Organizations Providing Summer Programming to District Youth - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary: Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn announced that 43 nonprofit youth-serving organizations have been awarded a total of $3.57 million in grants for the Summer Strong 2022 Grant Competitions from the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office). These funds will support more than 2,700 young people ages 5-18 years old with access to summer programming.
March 2022
Mayor Bowser Awards $3.19 Million to Support Organizations Providing High-Impact Tutoring to District Youth - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary: Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn announced that eight nonprofit youth-serving organizations will receive over $3.19 million from the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) to support high-impact tutoring programming serving approximately 1,600 pre-K – 12th grade students. Grant funds are provided by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education through the American Rescue Plan.
October 2021
Mayor Bowser Awards $12 Million to 91 Nonprofit Organizations Serving District Youth - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary: Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn announced that 91 nonprofit youth-serving organizations will receive a total of $12.26 million from the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) for Fiscal Year 2022 and School Year 2021-22 programming. More than 9,600 youth in the District will access programming in the subject areas of academics, arts, athletics, dance, cooking, financial literacy, mentoring, music, social-emotional support, STEM, and much more as a result of the funds distributed through these grant competitions.
March 2021
Mayor Bowser Awards $2.9 Million in Grants to Community Organizations Providing Summer Programming for District Youth - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary: Mayor Muriel Bowser awarded $2.92 million to 38 community-based organizations that will support more than 2,200 District youth with access to quality summer programming. The funding will be awarded from the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office). The grant funding will support summer programming in areas including academics, arts, athletics, dance, cooking, financial literacy, mentoring, music, social-emotional support, STEM, and much more. Organizations will follow all safety and health protocols set by health officials and provide in-person programming at DC Public Schools and public charter school sites as well as at other locations throughout Washington, DC.
December 2020
DC's is the top place for afterschool - Source: Afterschool Alliance Brief
Summary: Washington, D.C. is ranked first in the top 10 states for afterschool, in large part due to the fact that its participation rate of 24 percent is higher than any state in 2020, with more than 21,000 children taking part in a program. D.C. also saw a 50 percent reduction in the rate of children alone and unsupervised in the hours afterschool, dropping from 26 percent in 2014 to 13 percent in 2020. Additionally, parents rank programs highly, with more than 9 in 10 D.C. parents reporting that they are satisfied with their child’s afterschool program.
September 2020
Mayor Bowser Awards $9.3 Million in Grants to Support Afterschool Programs for District Youth - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary: Mayor Muriel Bowser awarded $9.38 million to 92 non-profit organizations that support more than 11,000 youth in the District with access to quality out-of-school time (OST) programming. The funding will be awarded from the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) for Fiscal Year 2021. Programs will provide a variety of virtual and in-person environments. All grantees are expected to resume in-person programming when health conditions and local guidance permits.
August 2018
Mayor Bowser Awards $8.2M in Grants for Afterschool Programming at Ribbon Cutting on MacFarland Middle School - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary: Mayor Bowser today cut the ribbon at the newly modernized MacFarland Dual Language Middle School, DCPS’ only dual language middle school, in Ward 4. At the ribbon cutting, Mayor Bowser announced the awarding of more than $8.2 million in grants to community-based organizations providing afterschool and out-of-school time programming for District youth.
April 2018
Mayor Bowser Awards $2.3 Million in Grants to Non-Profit, Community Organizations Serving District Youth - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary:Mayor Muriel Bowser today announced 34 winners of the 2018 Summer Strong DC Grant Competition and the 2018 DC Housing Authority (DCHA) Summer Coordinating Entity Grant Competition. Together, the organizations, which ensure more than 2,700 young people in Washington, DC have access to safe and engaging opportunities during the summer months, will receive grants totaling $2.32 million.
February 2018
Sitar Arts Center Takes the Stage for Mayor Bowser's Learn24 Launch - Source: Washington Women in Public Relations
Summary: That’s why Mayor Muriel Bowser visited Sitar on February 5, during Education Week in Washington, DC, for the launch of Learn24, a new initiative geared toward helping ensure all local children have access to quality activities beyond the school day. The initiative includes the new Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes, which will award $2 million in grants annually to 40 organizations, including Sitar, serving more than 23,000 children in Washington, DC.
Mayor Muriel Bowser launches Learn24, guided by the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes. - Source: Mayor Bowser Press Release
Summary: On Monday, February 5, at 4 pm, Mayor Muriel Bowser will continue Education Week and launch Learn24, a new initiative to ensure children and youth have access to quality educational and enrichment activities beyond the regular school day. Learn24, managed out of the Office of Out of School Time and housed within the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education, includes a new website with resources for students and families to find safe, enriching opportunities to learn outside of regular school hours in their communities.
October 2017
The Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes launches in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education with the appointment of its first executive director.
The Institute for Youth Development, the professional learning community of the OST Office, launches at University of the District of Columbia.
Twenty-two program sites, including Community Based Organizations (CBO), DC Public Schools (DCPS) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), commit to quality and agree to pilot the Weikart Youth Program Quality Intervention process.
July 2017
The Out of School System Set-up Team convenes groups of providers on the topic of program quality and ultimately the Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality’s assessment tool, known as the Youth Program Quality Assessment (PQA), is selected to serve as the hallmark of OST program quality in the District moving forward.
April 2017
The Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes Establishment Act of 2016 takes effect.
February 2017
Mayor Bowser signs the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes Establishment Act of 2016 into law.
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) launches the Out of School System Set-up Team at United Way of the National Capital Area to lay the foundation for the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes.