Out of School Time

Overview

DCAYA is committed to ensuring that all young people have access to quality neighborhood before school, after-school, and summer programs (commonly known as Out-of- School Time Programs).To help reach this goal, DCAYA is working with DC government and CBOs across the city to inform the public about the important, life-changing role that out-of-school time programs play in young people's lives.

DCAYA's advocacy efforts are centered around the recommendations that come out of our robust Membership Committees. These committees serve as monthly round tables for the various concerns of direct service providers, policy professionals, nationally engaged organizations,DCAYA's staff, and our Board of Directors. Monthly meetings allow DCAYA to respond to current issues and concerns in the OST sector in a timely manner while also serving to keep us connected to our valuable base of service providers.

Current Committee Members for the OST Committee Include:

Gerry Kittner-Committee Chair, Beacon House

Maggie Riden, DCAYA

Amy Brady, Brainfood

Andria Hollis, Kid Power DC

Brandi Pretlow, Horton's Kids

Surjeet Ahiuwalea, Asian American LEAD

Suzy Hirsch, Chess Challenge DC

Katie Vinopal, DC Hunger Solutions

Wanda Holmes, Martha's Table

Stephenetta Benjamin, National Center for Children and Families

If you are interested in joining in DCAYA's advocacy efforts via the Out of School Time Commitee please contact our Membership Coordinator by clicking here.

News and Events

DCAYA Staff and Membership Provide Input on SYEP 2011

The Committee on Housing and Workforce Development chaired by Council Member Michael Brown held a public roundtable on the performance of the 2011 One City Summer Youth Employment Program on August 10, 2011.The Post's coverage of the roundtable is available here.

Testimony from DCAYA's staff and membership is available below:

2011 Homeless and Unstably Housed Youth Survey Lauded by Chairman Graham

Photo Credit DCCouncil Website

DCAYA Releases Preliminary Findings from 2011 Homeless and Unstably Housed Youth Survey

Between March 7th and March 21st, at over 70 sites across the District, the DC Alliance of Youth Advocates surveyed 490 unaccompanied homeless or unstably housed youth and young adults between the ages of 12-24. The preliminary findings are availble in PDF format here.

DCAYA to Co-Host Mayor's FY'12 Youth Town Hall

The DC Alliance of Youth Advocates will be partnering with the Executive Office of the Mayor to host the Mayor's FY'12 Youth Town Hall meeting on Saturday, May 21, 2011.

This is a great opportunity to ask Mayor Gray specific questions about his proposed budget and to bring his attention to the very real impact that the budget cuts are going to have on youth in DC. We hope to see a large number of youth and youth service providers at this event so be sure to sign up!

DCAYA Member Testimony at CYITC Budget Hearing

On May 05, 2011, a group of DCAYA member organizations and allies presented testimony to the Committee on Human Services Chairman, Jim Graham on the many reasons that DC government should continue to invest in the Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation (CYITC).

Some of the testimony provided is available below in pdf form.

Testimony of Maggie Riden, Policy Analyst, DC Alliance of Youth Advocates

CYITC FY'12 Budget Hearing on May 05th

The Children Youth Investment Trust Corporation Budget Hearing is scheduled for next Thursday May 5th. The hearing was initially scheduled to start at 10am, but will instead begin following the completion of the DYRS Oversight Hearing.

Although the start time is somewhat unclear, DCAYA will be there in force with two panels speaking to the importance of OST Programming and the role of the Trust. Many thanks to those programs and individuals who have made time to attend this hearing.

DCAYA Provides Testimony at DCPS Hearing

DCAYA Executive Director Ram Uppuluri and numerous other youth advocates testified the morning of April 11, 2011 on behalf of sustained funding for vital programming provided to DC's young people via the District's public school system (DCPS). The full witness list is available here.

Testify at the DCPS Budget Hearing!

The District of Columbia Public Schools Budget Hearing will be taking place on Monday, April 11th at 10:00am at the John A. Wilson Building (Room412). Parents and providers are encouraged to attend to show their support of quality DCPS programs that extend beyond the traditional school day. If you would like to submit written testimony or testify at the Hearing please contact DCAYA's Executive Director, Mr. Ram Y. Uppuluri or DCAYA Policy Analyst, Maggie Riden.

Wanted: Parents That Care About Afterschool Programs

DCAYA is recruiting parents and programs to participate and testify at the Childrens and Youth Invetsment Trust Corporation's (CYITC or "The Trust") Budget Hearing on May 5th (starting at 10am).