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Dear Friend,
“They made me fall in love with art. This program was practically my second home when I was a kid.”
“Being here feels calming. I need to get outdoors where I can feel the breeze and the sun.”
After picking a ripe strawberry from the program’s garden, “Wow! This tastes just like strawberry ice cream!”
These are quotes from young people describing the out-of-school-time activities they love. Whether they are making art; examining beavers and turtles through binoculars; or growing, cooking, and eating fresh and healthy food–or other safe, fun, and enriching opportunities–young people benefit from OST programs.
Especially as our community continues to feel the effects of the pandemic–in educational outcomes, physical and mental health, and economic stress–ensuring that our children and youth are connected with caring adults and mentors outside the home is essential.
The DC OST Coalition has successfully advocated for increased support for OST providers, but there are still hundreds of families seeking access to affordable, high-quality opportunities. Together, we can do more to connect children and families with great programs where they can become creators, environmentalists, chefs, or whatever they want to be.
Onward,
Kimberly Perry
Executive Director
About DC Action
DC Action is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, multi-issue advocacy organization making the District of Columbia a place where all kids grow up safe, resilient, powerful and heard. DC Action uses research, data, and a racial equity lens to break down barriers that stand in the way of all kids reaching their full potential. We are home to DC Kids Count, Under 3 DC, DC Out-of-School Time Coalition, the DC Home Visiting Council and the Youth Economic Justice and Housing Coalition. Our collaborative advocacy campaigns bring the power of young people and all residents to raise their voices to create change.
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