• Safe programs that support extended learning time and increase the school – home connection
• A schedule that meets the needs of working parents
• Offer activities with explicit learning goals
• Increase children’s social and emotional learning

What is OST?

The Out-of-School Time (OST) Program provides a mix of academic, recreational and cultural activities for young people (grades K-12) after school, during holidays and in the summer. Programs are free of charge to children and their parents.

Elementary school students attending afterschool programs improved their regular school day attendance and reported higher aspirations regarding finishing school and going to college. Additionally, participants are 20 percent less likely to drop out of school compared to matched nonparticipants
 
Students enrolled in the variety of afterschool and summer learning programs were found to graduate at a rate of 95 percent, nearly double the overall rate of those who do not attend after school.