Consider supporting out-of-school-time (OST) programs this tax season by making a Contribution to Taxpayer Support for Afterschool Programs for At-Risk Students on your DC individual income tax form, under the contributions section on Schedule U part II, line 2. These funds will support grants to help bring safe and meaningful opportunities to at-risk youth in the District of Columbia beyond the school day.
The Institute for Youth Development encourages youth development professionals in the District to participate in one of the upcoming workshops to learn new strategies that foster supportive environments for youth.
Register now! Space is limited.
The Commission on Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The OST Commission will hear updates from the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes and the OST Commission.
Individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to comment at a public meeting are asked to notify the OST Office in advance by email at learn24@dc.gov. Individuals should furnish their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and organizational affiliation, if any, and if available, submit one electronic copy of their testimony by the close of business on Tuesday, May 25th at 5:00 pm.
Register here to attend.
Programs and organizations in the District of Columbia are encouraged to list their upcoming one-day educational and enrichment activities available for youth on the Learn24 event calendar. District of Columbia families are searching for new opportunities that help school-aged youth in the District learn, grow, develop, and play beyond school hours. List your event today by completing this brief form.
Additionally, the Learn24 event calendar helps youth development professionals identify learning opportunities and trainings to enhance their skills and knowledge. View upcoming events here.
 By Mark Weinberger, Learn24 Certified Trainer
It’s time to explore the tenets of a meaningful summer youth experience and how educators can strive to provide such an experience for youth. Summer programs provide youth the opportunities towards academic performance, social and emotional learning (SEL), and health and wellness.
There are several components to consider when providing a meaningful summer experience for youth. First, a focus on developmental outcomes concurrent with the practice of Positive Youth Development (PYD) is essential to any summer enrichment program.
Second, SEL is critical for PYD over the summer. A recent study on SEL found that, “when young people participate in high-quality programs defined as Sequenced, Active, Focused, and Explicit (SAFE)- that the youth experienced social-emotional growth linked to academic outcomes”.
And third, program design must address youth needs while offering an enriching curriculum. In addition, youth recruitment, staff training, and establishing a safe and positive learning atmosphere will help fortify a solid summer program.
Some ideas on how to create meaningful summer programs:
- Whether virtual or in-person, incorporate fun educational games and well-rounded enrichment activities that promote PYD outcomes: cognitive abilities, SEL, civic engagement, and more!
- Provide opportunities for youth to design and lead activities.
- Promote a welcoming and inclusive learning environment by greeting every participant and learning their names.
- Design opportunities for academic support that incorporate literacy, STEM, and other academic content. Ensure the curriculum is designed to achieve tangible outcomes over a short summer period.
- Train staff with the correct language, skills, and context for the summer program.
Here is a resource from the Wallace Foundation regarding COVID-19 reopening and recovery planning for summer programming.
1 Wallace Foundation. SEL + OST = Perfect Together. Pg. 7/8 A Conference Report by Elizabeth Duffrin. Deborah Moroney, American Institutes for Research, Roger Weissberg and Joseph Durlak released a pivotal study of existing research, The Impact of After-School Programs that Promote Personal and Social Skills. https://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/Documents/SEL-Plus-OST-Equals-Perfect.pdf
The Converge Academy is an opportunity for 24 social justice leaders based in the United States, to attend a four-day American Express Leadership Academy provided by the Center for Creative Leadership. Participants, selected by a panel of judges, will receive a full scholarship to attend the Academy in New York City, November 6-11, 2021. Those selected will help leaders build on their strengths, expand networks, and explore solutions for their work, their teams, and our world. The deadline to submit applications is May 21, 2021. Nominate someone who inspires you or yourself here.
Mental Health America has developed a Mental Health Matters Factsheet for Children. This resource provides key concepts to treat a child's mental health with the same intention and care that is done for their physical health. Read the entire factsheet here.
This brief conducted by the Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports works to highlight the broader issue of domestic minor sex trafficking and provides a framework for integrating school-based prevention and intervention strategies through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Read the complete brief here.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2022 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant competition. Applications must be submitted in OSSE’s Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS) by Monday, June 14, 2021 at 3:00 pm to be eligible for review. The total funding available for 21st CCLC awards is approximately $2 million and OSSE anticipates making five to seven new awards. More information regarding the breakdown of funding, deadlines, criteria, and more can be found here.
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities offers several funding programs for individuals and nonprofit organizations located in the District of Columbia. Grant competitions in the following areas are available:
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Art Bank
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Art Exhibition (Curatorial) Grant
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Arts/Humanities Education Projects
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Arts/Humanities Fellowship Program
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East of the River-Facilities and Buildings
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Field Trip Experiences
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LiftOff
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Projects, Events, or Festivals
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Public Art Building Communities
More information about specific deadlines, selection criteria, and the application process can be found here.
The Society for Science STEM Action Grant program awards innovative nonprofit organizations, led by social entrepreneurs, that support community based STEM projects and whose work supports the Society’s mission. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to selected candidates. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2021. Review the application here.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Youth Literacy Grants Program. Grants of up to $4,000 will be awarded to organizations in support of programs that help students who are reading below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading, including those with individualized education plans (IEPs). Applications must be received by May 20, 2021. For complete program guidelines, a list of previous grant recipients, and application instructions, see the Dollar General Literacy Foundation website.
Road Runners Club of America will award grants up to $1,000 to support youth running programs across the United States. All applicants must be an official 501(c)(3), school, parent booster club, PTA, or a similar entity. The deadline to apply is August 1, 2021. For more information regarding criteria, guidelines, and past awardees, please click here.
Weekly newsletter of funding opportunities.
 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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