Out-of-School Time
Out-of-school time is more than time outside the classroom. It’s an opportunity for young people to learn, grow, build confidence, and discover their potential. Together, we’re working to ensure every DC youth has access to high-quality out-of-school time opportunities that help them thrive.
What is Out-of-School Time?
Out-of-School Time (OST) refers to the time that youth spend outside of the regular school day—before and after school, as well as during the summer and other school breaks. During this period, young people can engage in diverse activities through OST programs, which provide academic support, enrichment, opportunities to develop new skills, and social-emotional growth.
Who We Are?
The DC Out-of-School Time Coalition represents dozens of out-of-school time programs that serve thousands of families across all eight wards. Powered by DC Action, the OST Coalition brings together providers, advocates, and community partners to strengthen and expand high-quality OST opportunities.
Through research, policy analysis, advocacy, and collective action, we work to secure sustainable public funding, improve program quality, remove barriers facing providers, and build stronger partnerships between government and communities. Together, we’re working to ensure every young person has access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school, career, and life.
Our Mission
Through policy analysis and advocacy, the DC Out-of-School Time Coalition is working to strengthen student outcomes and ensure universal access to out-of-school programs and a successful transition from school to career.
Our Focus
Across the District, out-of-school programs offer safe, enriching spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive beyond the school day. Whether through academic support, arts and music, sports, mentoring, college and career readiness, or social-emotional development, these programs meet students where they are and help them reach their full potential. They play an essential role in closing the opportunity gap and provide working families with valuable peace of mind and job security.
Unfortunately, not all students have access to the programs they want and deserve, with the greatest disparities impacting Black and brown students. The OST Coalition works to change that by advocating for sustained public investment, supporting OST providers, and expanding access so every child and family can benefit from high-quality out-of-school time opportunities.
Want to Get Involved?
Join us in our fight for equitable out‑of‑school programs that help DC’s next generation grow, learn, and succeed.
Join the coalition by emailing The OST Coalition at ostcoalition@dckids.org.
Have questions? Contact Njeri Jenkins, Out-of-School Time Policy Analyst, at njenkins@dckids.org
2024-25 Coalition members
- After-School All-Stars
- Afterschool Alliance
- ANC 1A Education & Youth Committee
- Asian American LEAD
- BCAUSEICAN INC
- Beacon House
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area
- Capital for Children
- Children & Charity International
- Children’s Art Studio
- Children’s Legacy Theatre, Inc.
- College Tribe
- Community Services Foundation
- Critical Exposure
- DC SCORES
- Washington Conservatory of Music
- DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative
- DCFPI
- Experience Camps for Grieving Children
- Fair Chance
- FIRST Chesapeake
- Forever True
- FRESHFARM FoodPrints
- Gearin’ Up Bicycles
- Girls on the Run DC
- Girls Rock! DC
- Global Kids
- GOODProjects
- Healthy Babies Project
- Higher Achievement
- Horton’s Kids
- Imagination Stage
- Jah Kente International, Inc.
- Jubilee Housing
- Kid Power, Inc.
- Latin American Youth Center
- LETS GO Boys and Girls. Inc.
- Life Pieces to Masterpieces
- Little Lights Urban Ministries
- Martha’s Table
- Mentor Maryland | DC
- Mikva Challenge
- One World Education
- DC PAVE
- Reading Partners
- Sasha Bruce Youthwork
- Sitar Arts Center
- The Fishing School
- The Spitfire Club
- Total Family Care Coalition
- Urban Adventure Squad
- Washington Inner City Lacrosse Foundation (WINNERS Lacrosse)
- Washington Urban Debate League
- Wonders Early Learning + Extended Day
- Words Beats & Life
Make a Difference
Join us in building support for these critical investments.
Join UsUrge your Councilmembers to support and fully fund these priorities.
Urge Your Councilmembers
See the Data
Our DC Kids Count initiative provides the best available District-level and ward-level data and key indicators of child and youth well-being to inspire innovative and equitable solutions.
View DC KIDS COUNT EducationRelated News
Check out our related news feed to learn more about how we're using policy analysis, advocacy, and our DC Out-of-School Time Coalition to strengthen student outcomes.
