In September 2005, DYCD launched the Out-of-School Time (OST) initiative to provide a mix of academic, recreational and cultural activities for young people after school, on holidays and during the summer. The OST system now consists of 644 programs citywide, all of which are provided at no cost to participants. The programs, which are operated by more than 200 community-based organizations, are located in schools, community centers, settlement houses, religious centers, cultural organizations, libraries, and public housing and Parks facilities.  DYCD has created a comprehensive system that coordinates resources from 10 City agencies. 

OST represents a commitment to provide services in high-need neighborhoods.  DYCD targeted 77 priority zip codes using a composite formula that included six variables: youth population ages 6-15 years; youth poverty rate at 100% of poverty line; rate of youth ages 16-19 years who are not in school, not high school graduates, and not in the labor force; number of English Language Learners (ELL) students in public school; number of single parent families with related children under 18 years of age; and number of children eligible for NYS subsidized childcare.  62% of participants reside in one of 77 priority zip codes. 

The budget for the OST Initiative has grown dramatically from $46.4 million in FY 06 to $76.8 million in FY 2007 to $105.3 million in FY 2008 and $118.2 million in FY 2009.  This funding is included in the City’s four-year financial plan and thus will be a sustainable source of revenue for community-based organizations in years to come.  The City’s OST system serves more than 80,000 children annually.      

Highlights

Programs

• Number of programs: 644
• Programs offer a range of services, including academic skills enhancement, cultural enrichment, sports, recreation, community engagement, and leadership development.
• 19 programs receive additional funding to target services to youth with disabilities.
• Programs are licensed by the State and required to comply with New York State School Age Child Care (SACC) regulations.
• Programs for youth under age 9 have a 1-to-10 staff-to-student ratio; for ages 10-12, the ratio is 1-to-15.
• Hours of operation: Elementary programs generally provide services 3-6 pm Monday-Friday, while middle schools have a more flexible schedule of 8 hours per week during the school year. Elementary and middle school programs are open for 10 hours (generally 8 am-6 pm) on public school holidays and vacations. Summer programs operate on the same schedule.

Youth Served

• OST programs served 78,364 young people during the 2006-07 school year.
• OST serves all youth ages 5-21, including populations with special needs.
• 77 high-need zip codes have been targeted according to six demographic variables: youth population; youth poverty rate; rate of youth ages 16-19 years who are not in school, not high school graduates, and not in the labor force; number of English Language Learners (ELL) students in public school; and number of single parent families with related children under 18 years of age; and number of children eligible for NYS subsidized childcare. More than 60% of all programs are located in these areas.
• For the first time, OST has a significant presence in previously underserved communities such as the Rockaways and Staten Island.

Funding

• FY 2008 Budget:  $105.3 million; FY 2009 Budget:  $118.2 million
• OST funding is allocated based an area’s concentration of youth population, share of low-income youth living at or below 200% of the poverty level, and share of low performing schools.
• 17% of OST providers received DYCD funding for the first time through this initiative.
• $6 million in private funding has been set aside for public/private programs.

Collaborative Efforts

• The advent of OST also allowed for an unprecedented Memorandum of Understanding between DYCD and the Department of Education codifying the relationship and committing hundreds of schools as sites for OST programs.  DOE provides in-kind support for facilities, security, fingerprinting of staff and snacks.
• OST is supported by a network of community-based organizations, foundations, and technical assistance providers, including The After-School Corporation, Partnership for After-School Education, the Wallace Foundation, Citizen’s Committee for Children, and the Fund for the City of New York.
• In FY06, DYCD and the Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council, launched the Cultural Afterschool Adventure (CASA) initiative. DYCD is currently administering, 163 CASA grants totaling $3.25 million.  The initiative pairs nonprofit arts and cultural organizations with OST service providers to offer enriching and diverse experiences for participating youth.
• OST includes a three-year, $1.5 million contract with Policy Studies Associates, a Washington, DC-based firm, to conduct a longitudinal evaluation analyzing the impact of OST programs on children and communities.