|
The Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) is excited to welcome Briana Graham to the team! Briana enjoys art, plants, trying new activities and exploring the city's museums with her family. She joins us from the Federal Government supporting the General Services Administration and prior to that she worked for DC Government at the Department on Disability Services for many years.
Welcome to the team Briana!
On Saturday, March 25, 2023, join the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education's (DME) Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) will gather government agencies, non profit organizations, families and other stakeholders for Summer In The City. This event will help District families identify the various programming opportunities, learning experiences, jobs, and more available for youth during the summer months.
Register to attend today!
Summer programs that are currently seeking a site location, or interested in receiving guidance regarding program locations, should email learn24@dc.gov.
The Institute for Youth Development is committed to providing youth development professionals with an opportunity to gain practical skills that can be implemented in their interactions with youth immediately. This listing of upcoming workshops helps promote a positive environment with youth.
Space is limited! Register today.
The Commission on Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Commission) will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2023, 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 Committees.
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, March 21st at 5:00 pm.
Register here to attend.
East of the River Boys & Girls Steelband provides music education in steelpan music, youth development, cultural education and experiences to youth in Wards 7 and 8. Celebrating more than 30 years, providing youth ages 12 - 17 with an excellent way to learn music, gain community service and see and meet new people and places!
Check out this clip of the East of the River Steelband! Additionally, view some of their past performances 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.
Providing a Supportive Environment
In last month’s edition, Safe Environment domain was presented sharing how important it is to meet youth’s basic need. In this month’s issue, Supportive Environment domain is featured.
The components of the Supportive Environment and some strategies to apply to programming are described below.
-
Welcoming Environment- Staff are instrumental in creating the culture. Staff can greet all youth when they enter the program space, staff has warm and respectful tone, and staff maintains a positive body language.
-
Encouragement- Staff inspires and promotes positive youth behavior through verbal and nonverbal acknowledgements. Staff uses non-evaluative language and asks open-ended questions.
-
Skill Building- The program includes intentional learning activities that build skills. Staff encourages youth to try new skills, staff model skills for youth, staff breaks down complicated skills into smaller tasks, and staff provides individualized support when youth struggle.
-
Active Engagement- Active learning occurs when youth can process, rather than only receiving information. With active engagement, youth engage with the materials or ideas, discuss the activity, and make connections to their lives.
-
Reframing Conflict- Staff uses youth-centered approaches to reframe conflict. Staff approach conflicts or negative behavior calmly, seek input from youth in order to determine both the cause and solution, help youth understand and resolve conflicts, and follow-up with those involved.
-
Session Flow-A quality program is well planned. That means the program starts and ends on time, the materials are ready and easily accessible, and there are sufficient materials for all participants. In addition, staff clearly explains the activities and provides the appropriate amount of time to complete the activity.
A supportive environment is essential to help youth feel welcome and included. Youth that are safe and supported will be empowered to learn and lead in the program. The April edition of the newsletter will focus on how to create an Interactive Environment for youth.
Explore additional resources about the David P. Weikart Youth Program Quality model for Program Quality at this link.
The Department of Employment Services (DOES) has extended the application period for the 2023 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) to Monday, March 6, 2023. District youth between the ages of 14 to 24 and interested employers are encouraged to apply online at summerjobs.dc.gov. Selected youth will undergo six weeks of enriching and constructive summer work experience through subsidized placements in the private and public sectors. More information can be found here.
The Office of the State Superintendent for Education (OSSE) is currently preparing for the summer DC Youth Meals Program and is inviting organizations and programs to operate no-cost meal sites in the Summer of 2023. Join a brief information session, offered online by OSSE staff members, for new potential DC Youth Meals Program sites and sponsors.
Each session will include a general overview of the program. Those who attend can also ask questions and will receive detailed information on program participation. The meeting dates and links are included below.
Please register for an upcoming session:
More information can be found here.
On behalf of Learn24 Coordinating Entities that will be announced in March, the OST Office is accepting applications from high-quality subcontractors (vendors) to provide educational, social, emotional, and/or physical health opportunities and activities for children at DC Housing Authority and DC Department of Human Services short-term family housing sites. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 22, 2023 at 5:00 pm.
This opportunity is intended for any local business, nonprofit, or individual interested in providing direct programming for children and youth ages 5 –17 (Grades K-12) with an engaging, fun, and educational camp experience. DCHS and DHS sites have not yet been identified and will be determined by the CEs as Summer 2023 approaches.
Vendors may request to offer programming to a specific age group or target population and must describe the population they wish to serve. Applicants must ensure and maintain an adult to participant ratio of at least 1:15 at all times. Deadline to apply is Wednesday March 22, 2023, at 5:00 pm.
- Complete application here.
- View the complete RFA here.
For more information regarding this Grant Competitions, Information Sessions, please contact learn24@dc.gov.
Since 1963, the Philip L. Graham Fund has supported local nonprofit organizations that provide both essential and enriching programs to the communities in the Washington, DC area. Grant awards are up to $75,000 in the following interest areas; arts and humanities, community endeavors, education, and health and human services. Applications are due by Monday, April 24, 2023. Learn more about focus areas, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and past awardees by clicking here.
The Sparkplug Foundation is accepting applications from start-up organizations and new projects of established organizations in music, education, and community organizing. The maximum grant amount is $20,000. A letter of intent must be received by Monday, May 8, 2023. For more information on deadlines and criteria, click here.
Shape America is accepting applications for the Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant to support recreational programs for individuals with disabilities. Grants are awarded up to $1,500 per year. For consideration, applications must be received by Thursday, June 1, 2023. Review the application 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.
|
