Beyond 3pm: Stepping In When School Is Out

Out-of-School Time (OST) is largely defined as the hours before school (6am-8am) and after school (3pm-6pm), as well as the months over summer break. It’s those intermittent times when a K-12 student isn’t in school, but still requires care. That’s where OST services step in. These programs provide safe and enriching environments during critical moments in a student’s growth and development. Research has long provided evidence that structured care during these hours has lasting benefits for the whole family.

For students, participating in OST services has improved academic achievement, increased social and emotional outcomes, and better nutrition. Afterschool programs have also been effective at narrowing achievement gaps and slowing learning loss. For a parent, the availability of aftercare may be a deciding factor between schools or neighborhoods. It can also provide the much-needed stability to continue in the workforce, or even move up the career ladder to better provide for their families. In a city like Cleveland, where nearly half of all households are women-led, access to OST services can mean increased success, particularly for working mothers.

Right now, demand for afterschool programs has skyrocketed. For every child in an afterschool program, three are waiting to get in. Add to this, a bus driver shortage and other staffing challenges have further complicated accessibility and affordability. How can we better support OST services so all students can reach their full potential?

Join the City Club as we learn what opportunities and challenges lie ahead in OST services from top local leadership in the sector, moderated by Dr. Dorothy Moulthrop, CEO of Open Doors Academy.

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The livestream will be available beginning at 12:00pm. Have questions? Tweet them at @TheCityClub or send a text to 330.541.5794.