Expanded Learning

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

Challenge Councilmembers to #InvestInYouth

We’re inviting you to join DCAYA on May 1^st for our Call to Action Campaign. Our goal is to have 5,000 people reach out via phone calls, emails, facebook, or twitter #InvestInYouth to each councilmember to tell our representatives we want to see smart investments in DC Youth.

DCAYA Members Testify to Raise CYITC Funding

During the Children and Youth Investment Trust Corps Budget Hearing on April 17th 2013, DC Alliance of Youth Advocates Executive Director Maggie Riden along with numerous community and advocacy members, testified for additional funding to the CYITC Budget. By boosting funding, the CYITC could target three main areas of their mission: reach more youth in year-round programming, ensure youth development programs during the summer of 2014, and increase capacity for quality data collection.

DCAYA Staff and Members Testify at FY'14 DCPS Hearing

On April 17, 2013 DCAYA staff, members and allies testified on the Mayor's Proposed FY'14 budget for DCPS. Copies of testimony are available below:

Testimony of Maggie Riden, DCAYA Executive Director

Testimony of Anne Abbott, DCAYA Policy Analyst

Ward-specific Summer Strategy Sessions for CBOs

The DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corp recieved a great response thus far for our Ward-specific Summer Strategy Session on February 28. There are opportunities for community-based organizations that work in specific Wards to gather to partner, share resources and ideas, and get support around planning engaging programs for youth. If you haven’t already registered, please see the link below. As well, please see the dates and locations for all our other upcoming sessions. Some District agencies will also have representatives at the sessions.

The goals of the sessions are:

Anne Abbott Testifies at the OSSE Performance Hearing

During the March 8th 2013 Office of the State Superintendent of Education Performance Oversight Hearing, policy analyst Anne Abbot provided testimony commending their resent community outreach. OSSE has especially made improvements in connecting with community groups on their graduation requirements proposal as well as voicing the need to expand SLED into early learning, college enrollment and adult education data sharing.

DCAYA Along with Member Organizations Testify at the CYITC Performance Hearing

DC Alliance of Youth Advocates Executive Director Maggie Riden, along with a number of member organizations, testified at the Children and Youth Investment Trust Corp Oversight and Performance Hearing March 4th, 2013. At the hearing, Riden acknowledged the progress the CYITC has made over the past year stating "The work undertaken by CYITC staff as part of the one city initiative is a strong example of their work to coordinate cross sector initiatives in a data driven and outcomes focused manner.".

Members and Allies Testify at the DC Public Schools Performance Oversight Hearing

On February 22, the DC Committee on Education held a Performance and Oversight Hearing on the DC Public School System. The public witnesses testified before the Committee on various issues regarding the DC Public School education system including reconnecting youth, expanded learning and parent engagement. Testimony from select members and allies is available below:

Testimony of Anne Abbott, DCAYA Policy Analyst

State Board of Education Seeks Comment on Graduation Requirements

The DC State Board of Education wishes to solicit feedback on its recently released high school graduation requirements proposal. The proposal is attached and also available on our website,www.sboe.dc.gov.

Testimony to the Committee on Libraries Parks and Recreation

The DC Alliance of Youth Advocates Executive Director, Maggie Riden gives a testimony during the hearing foucusing on the Department of Parks Policy and Program Division and Park Improvements.

She highlights the strides DPR has been making over the past few years but testifying the workers still need more traing woth the Districts youth.

To read the full testimony CLICK HERE!!!

Join us for National Homeless Youth Awareness Month!

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month and DCAYA has lots of ways for YOU to get involved!

Every year, as many as 7,354 youth will experience at least one night of homelessness in the District.Currently, there is not enough shelter/housing for youth experiencing homelessness to meet the growing demand in the District.We know that creating more housing opportunities for youth and young parents can prevent long term disconnection, the initiation of risk-related behaviors, and prevent adult homelessness. Some simple things YOU can do: