Mayor Bowser allocates $25 million to nonprofits for out-of-school youth programs

By Ariyana Griffin

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser awarded $25.1 million in grants from the Education’s Office of Out-of-School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes to 125 local nonprofit organizations that offer free and low cost programming for youth on Sept. 7.

The awarded organizations offer students intensive opportunities; the D.C. Government shared that the programs will focus on “academic achievement, the performing arts, athletics, STEM, financial literacy, career preparation, and more.”

An estimated 15,000 students will benefit from the out-of-school time initiative this school year, allowing students to engage in extracurricular activities in specified interests outside of school.

“We’re proud to offer a plethora of out-of-school time programming in the District, and these organizations ensure our children and teens have a wide range of options that meet their

interests and needs,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn in a statement.

“Students who participate in OST programs have higher school attendance and do better in school than those who do not. That’s what makes our investment so critical – it provides our kids with quality activities to elevate their learning beyond the classroom, setting them up for success now and in the future,” Kihn said.

The OTS Office is dedicated to improving the programs, which are positive and safe outlets for youth.

The office has allocated $113 million in awards for District nonprofits since 2017, creating and supporting programming for over 80,000 students. The OST Office’s Institute for Youth Development has curated over 500 workshops to ensure improvement and growth within the programs and has developed detailed training for over 5,000 service providers since 2019.

We understand the critical role that high-quality and engaging out-of-school learning opportunities play in the lives of our kids,” said Mayor Bowser in a statement.

“This $25.1 million investment in free and low-cost programs is about more than just expanding access – it’s about ensuring that every child in D.C. has the chance to thrive,”  said Bowser.

These programs enhance social and emotional well-being and provide a safe and stimulating environment where our students can discover their passions, build new skills, and stay excited about learning every day.”