Access to Out of School Time (OST) Programming in DC
 

Out of school time programs include those offered before or after school, over the summer, on weekends, and during school breaks or long weekends when school is not in session. These programs can be focused on sports, arts, STEM, or creative development, and may teach new skills, or offer academic support. The availability and quality of after school or summer programs matter for many reasons and are especially important for children and youth facing barriers to academic success. As such, it is imperative that we understand the existing landscape of OST programs in the District, as well as whether those programs are available to D.C. students and meet their needs.

 

OST programs serve multiple roles, ranging from providing quality supervision for younger children during traditional work hours, to offering first steps into the workforce for older youth. Quality programs may provide children and youth with academic support and enrichment, supportive social environments, or simply serve as a safe space for children and youth to spend their out-of-school time. Programming can support the learning and development of children, foster social connections and development, provide childcare, or supplement academic learning. Research has suggested that high-quality OST programming is associated with improved academic performance and attendance, increased engagement, and development of career skills. 

 

Low-income families are more likely to report dissatisfaction in after school options and are less likely to be enrolled in out of school time programs. At the same time, low-income families report greater interest in out-of-school time programming than wealthier households. Additional concerns are also often raised about access to programs and appropriate programming content for English learners and students with disabilities. Addressing these needs can be challenging, as barriers stem from transportation, scheduling, lack of information or communication about programs, and affordability of programs

 

During the 2021-22 school year, there were approximately 36,460 seats in afterschool programs serving 88,482 public school students in Washington, DC. This brings the participation rate in OST programs to slightly above 41 percent. At the high school level, the District would need 12,927 seats to fill the gap between need and capacity to provide subsidized afterschool programs to all youth in grades 9-12 enrolled in public schools. For children in the younger age group (PK3 through grade 8), the estimated gap between capacity and need for subsidized afterschool programs is 39,528 seats under the broadest program target of universal coverage. 

 

In raw numbers, Wards 7 and 8 have the most seats, but they also have the highest number of students and lower housing density, resulting in lower-than-city-average seats near students’ homes. This lower average translates into much higher competition for seats in OST programs, and thus more difficulty enrolling. Addressing these barriers and increasing access to OST programs can help ensure that all children in the District have access to enriching and supportive activities outside of school hours. Investing in OST programs can have significant benefits for children, including improved academic outcomes and social-emotional development.