Publications

DC Action applauds Chairman Phil Mendelson and the DC Council for restoring $99 million for child care and early childhood development programs, protecting funding for out-of-school time, as well as restoring $1.5 million in funding for the District’s youth homelessness system.

Today, the Afterschool Alliance released The Summer Struggle, a state-by-state series of report cards examining the challenges families face in accessing summertime programming.

The Honorable Phil Mendelson Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia 1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Suite 502 Washington, DC 20005 May 13, 2026 Dear Chairman and Members of the DC Council, We urg...

While we appreciate that OST funding has been sustained at FY26 levels, it is important to recognize that these levels do not account for inflation and that out year cuts pose real threats to the sector. After three years without any increase, programs are being asked to do more with less...

February 12, 2026   Good morning Councilmember Lewis George, members, and staff of the Committee on Facilities. My name is Jessica Nguyen, and I am testifying as a Policy Fellow on behalf of t...

While DC Action’s policy analysts are still looking into the more granular details of each of our funding priorities, so far we see one positive investment and a number of concerning cuts to programs that youth and working families rely on.

OST providers are essential partners to DC schools, agencies, and communities. To deliver high-quality programming at scale, providers need administrative systems that are simple, coordinated, and predictable.

February 25, 2026 Good morning, Chairman Mendelson, members, and staff of the Committee of the Whole. My name is Jessica Nguyen, and I am testifying as a Policy Fellow on behalf of the OST Coalitio...

In 2025, we didn’t just respond to threats — we built power. We centered lived experience. We turned data and compelling storytelling into policy wins. And we showed that when communities organize, elected officials listen.

OST providers are essential partners to DC Public Schools and multiple District agencies. Many programs rely on consistent, reliable access to school buildings in order to operate safely, predictably, and at scale.

DC Action’s DC KIDS COUNT Data Trends Report offers a comprehensive, data-driven look at how children, youth, and families in the District are faring—and where persistent inequities continue to limit opportunity.

Dear Mayor Bowser, As you begin work on your Fiscal Year 2027 budget, we urge you to invest first and foremost in the District’s children and youth to strengthen the resilience and well-being of ...