OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME (OST)

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg made reform of the public schools a top priority and succeeded in securing the most comprehensive and far-reaching changes in the governmental and organizational structure of education in the last 50 years. This plan created an opportunity for the restructuring and alignment of the Out-of-School Time (OST) programs, providing services to young people after school, on weekends, on holidays, and in the summer.

Responsibilities for OST programs are currently shared by several agencies, depend on multiple funding streams, and must adhere to complex regulations. New York City's OST programs are provided principally by several hundred nonprofit agencies and community-based organizations. OST programs also receive critical support from foundations and corporations.

Since the fall of 2003, the Fund has been working with City government to bring together relevant city agencies, foundations, and nonprofit service providers to begin developing a coherent OST system for youth, families, and their communities.

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A quality Out-of-School Time (OST) system offers safe and developmentally appropriate environments for children and youth when they are not in school. OST programs support the academic, creative, social, physical, and emotional development of young people and serve the needs of New York City's families and their communities. Government, service providers and funders are partners in supporting an accountable and sustainable OST system.

Goals of a quality OST system:

  • Provide a safe environment
  • Foster the development of positive and caring relationships with adults and peers
  • Support the needs of working families
  • Support healthy behavior and physical well-being
  • Strengthen young people's academic skills
  • Support the exploration of interests and the development of skills and creativity
  • Support youth leadership development
  • Foster a sense of community and respect for diversity


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