| The Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) recognizes the challenging environment that is occurring nationally. This Office supports youth voice and recognizes the importance of the First Amendment which gives “the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Youth Development Practitioners have been helping children and youth understand COVID-19 are now helping children heal and to help them process the anger, sadness, concern, fears, anxiety, and various emotions they are experiencing. This work is not easy and we encourage youth development practitioners to practice self-care.
One value of the OST Office and OST Commission is equity and acknowledging that decisions are made recognizing structural racism with a determined focus on dismantling those systems and achieving equitable outcomes for youth. As ideas and actions are generated, please email the OST Office at learn24@dc.gov to move the equity agenda.
Mayor Bowser deeply values the partnership of the District’s public school families and community stakeholders. To support smart and safe decision-making around how to reopen schools this fall, the Deputy Mayor for Education is conducting a short survey. This survey is anonymous, however families have the option to provide contact information.
The survey focuses on the following topics:
- Family preference for in-person instruction in the Fall vs. engaging in home-based remote/online instruction
- Family preference around in-person school schedules (e.g., alternating days, one week at school and one week at home from remote/online instruction, etc.)
- Additional supports families believe students will need to successfully return to school
- How remote/online learning has gone to date
- Digital divide (i.e. access to devices, access to reliable WiFi)
Access the survey here. The survey will close June 8, 2020 at 10:00 pm.
The Institute for Youth Development will host a series of virtual workshops to help youth workers use an asset-based approach when working with youth. Each workshop will focus on concepts and strategies that can be integrated into the daily interaction with youth.
Sign up to attend one of these workshops today. Space is limited.
This summer, Springboard Collaborative and Teach for America have teamed up to offer a free summer programming for a limited number of students who are currently in Pre-K4 through 3rd grade and their families. This 4-week program pairs families with tutors to help kids become stronger readers and to help families sharpen their teaching skills. Learn more about the program, including dates and times here.
 In the first newsletter of each month, The Institute for Youth Development will highlight a specific indicator from the Weikart Center's Youth Program Quality Assessment (PQA) on promising practices in the field.
As the world changes, it is more important than ever to stay connected with youth. This connection can be made through positive, purposeful interactions. Positive interactions consist of asking questions, actively listening, and constantly encouraging youth. These interactions stimulate deep thinking and problem-solving and encourage genuine youth to adult partnerships. When youth practitioners learn appropriate methods of asking effective questions and listening to the answers, improved communication and understanding ensues.
Ask Questions:
- Ask divergent or open-ended questions.
- Ask relevant and age-appropriate questions.
- Balance questions with dialogue focused on the participant.
- Make sure every youth has the chance to respond even if the response is to not participate.
Actively Listen:
- Show that you are listening by demonstrating nonverbal cues and paraphrasing what the youth has said to show you are listening attentively to them.
- Identify youth’s feelings and empathize. Youth may not explicitly convey feelings so it is important to pay attention and observe what youth are saying. Supporting youth in identifying and exploring feelings rather than being condescending or judging.
- Let youth speak without interrupting.
- Try to remember context and details and relay them back to youth in the form of questions or statements.
Encourage Youth:
- Participate alongside youth by becoming a partner in the learning process. Youth should take the lead when experimenting with materials and adults and should support youth through the process.
- Encourage youth to describe plans, feelings, and goals.
- Make specific comments, which are more beneficial to youth than general praise. Youth should be able to use specific feedback to describe and expand ideas.
- Avoid judgment and be honest. Praise involves judgment, but encouragement is nonjudgmental. Truthful feedback can help youth learn and will provide honesty to youth.
Check out this link on tips for effective communication with youth of all age groups.
Students, families, and school leaders can stay current with the latest news and information from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) here.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) published two articles discussing ways to create a supportive learning space for black boys.
Each article provides concepts that can be applied to help black boys to feel engaged and able to share their own experiences, ideas, and practices to promote positive development.
VICE recently released an article providing some self-care tips to support the black community and others during a tough time. It is important that everyone takes time to address their mental, spiritual, emotional health. Below are some suggestions for maintaining well-being during this time:
- Make sure you're meeting your basic needs.
- Let yourself feel your feelings.
- Find ways to connect with other black people.
- Change your media diet (if necessary).
- Set firm boundaries around engaging with people right now.
- Repeat a mantra or affirmations that help you stay grounded.
- Remember to consume Black art and celebrate Black joy.
Read the entire article here.
The Boris L. Henson Foundation (BLHF) recognizes that during this difficult time, affording the cost of mental health services can be a barrier in the African-American community. Having to choose between a meal and mental health is not something that one should ever have to ponder. BLHF will begin accepting applications on June 5th for a new cohort of individuals interested in receiving mental health services provided by licensed clinicians. More information can be found here.
The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) has certified clinicians available to help individuals maintain their mental health. Certified clinicians are available by phone 24 hours a day at 1-888-793-4357.
If you, or someone you know, are currently subject to domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by visiting thehotline.org or calling 1-800-799-7233.
Interested in sharing a publication, resource or support that could benefit youth development professionals or youth in the District? Please email learn24@dc.gov.
Weekly newsletter of funding opportunities.
The United Planning Organization (UPO) is currently accepting applications to support the establishment or enhancement of Distance Learning and/or Physical Fitness programs for District youth. The anticipated average award amount is $10,000. Applications must be received by June 5, 2020 at 5:00 pm to be considered. View the full application here.
The Mayor's Office of Community Affairs (MOCA) is soliciting grant applications from District-based 501(c)(3) community-based organizations (CBOs) serving the District of Columbia residents--to help implement community social distancing engagement and public health awareness outreach efforts based on federal funding provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Applicant's grant request must not exceed $50,000 per individual award. The deadline for submissions is June 9, 2020 at 5:00 pm. More information can be found here.
Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is now accepting applications for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant competition. The total funding available for 21st CCLC awards is $8.55 million. Applications must be submitted by 3 pm on Friday, June 12, 2020 to be eligible for review. The 21st CCLC Request for Applications and application submission guidance are available on OSSE’s webpage.
The After School Advantage (ASA) Program strives to close the "Digital Divide" for children that do not have the means to access computers in today's increasingly digital society. ASA will fund organizations serving underprivileged, at-risk children ages 5 to 18. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, please click here.
For resources and additional information on the District of Columbia Government’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit coronavirus.dc.gov.
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