D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was awarded $25.1 million in grants to 125 local nonprofit organizations through the Office of Out-of-School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes. These organizations provide free and low-cost programs for youth, focusing on areas such as academic achievement, performing arts, athletics, STEM, financial literacy, and career preparation. The D.C. government estimates that around 15,000 students will benefit from these initiatives during the school year, giving them opportunities to pursue extracurricular activities aligned with their interests outside of school.
“We’re proud to offer a plethora of out-of-school time programming in the District, and these organizations ensure our children and teens have a wide range of options that meet their interests and needs,” Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn wrote in a statement.
“Students who participate in OST programs have higher school attendance and do better in school than those who do not,” Kihn added. “That’s what makes our investment so critical – it provides our kids with quality activities to elevate their learning beyond the classroom, setting them up for success now and in the future.”
The Office of Out-of-School Time (OST) is committed to enhancing programs that serve as positive and safe spaces for youth. Since 2017, the OST Office has allocated $113 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in the District, supporting programs that have reached more than 80,000 students. Through its Institute for Youth Development, the office has organized over 500 workshops aimed at fostering program growth and improvement, while also providing specialized training for more than 5,000 service providers since 2019.
“We understand the critical role that high-quality and engaging out-of-school learning opportunities play in the lives of our kids,” Mayor Bowser wrote in a statement. “This $25.1 million investment in free and low-cost programs is about more than just expanding access – it’s about ensuring that every child in D.C. has the chance to thrive,” said Bowser.
She continued: “These programs enhance social and emotional well-being and provide a safe and stimulating environment where our students can discover their passions, build new skills, and stay excited about learning every day.”
