Press Release Councilmember Matt Frumin Introduces Bill to Establish Universal Out-of-School Time
MEDIA CONTACT:
Christian Damiana
202.258.9532 | cdamiana@dccouncil.gov
Councilmember Matt Frumin Introduces Bill to Establish Universal Out-of-School Time
Frumin’s legislation guarantees high-quality, affordable, and accessible out-of-school time programming.
Washington, DC –– Councilmember Matt Frumin introduced today the Universal Out of School Time Amendment Act of 2023. The bill would require the District of Columbia to expand out-of-school time programs, such as after school and summer programming, by at least 10% annually, toward the goal of universal access by 2035 for every student in a DC Public or Public Charter School. Programming would be free or affordable to families, with an emphasis on equitable access and geographic convenience. Youth who are at-risk, low-income, criminal justice-involved, or eligible for special education services receive priority. The legislation was developed with the support of the Out-of-School-Time Coalition and co-introduced by Councilmembers Charles Allen, Anita Bonds, Janeese Lewis George, Kenyan McDuffie, Brianne Nadeau, Zachary Parker, Brooke Pinto, Robert White, and Trayon White.
Universal out-of-school time is an immediate, impactful investment our city must make for our youth. Out-of-school time programming increases school attendance and academic performance,[1] significantly improves economic mobility, [2] and is the most effective strategy for reducing juvenile crime according to 69% of police chiefs surveyed nationally.[3] High-quality programming provides youth with critical skills they need for future success in the workforce.[4] Out-of-school time is also a smart investment, with every $1 spent returning $3 to $13 through higher incomes and reduced crime.[5]
“The current moment urgently calls for us to create constructive and impactful opportunities for our youth.” said Councilmember Frumin. “I hear from parents and students constantly about the need for high-quality, affordable, and accessible programming after school and in the summer. This legislation is a commitment to supporting our students’ education, safety, and economic opportunity.”
Under the leadership of the DC Out of School Time Office and Commission, the Deputy Mayor for Education, and community-based programming providers, DC ranks first in the country for afterschool programming, with 95% of parents satisfied with their child’s afterschool program. [6] However, almost two-thirds of students are still not being served by out-of-school time programming. [7] The Universal Out of School Time Amendment Act of 2023 will meet that need by guaranteeing every youth in DC has access to high-quality, affordable, geographically convenient out-of-school time programming by 2035.
View the Introduced Legislation
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[1] https://www.nlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Afterschool-and-summer-learning-a-city-strategy-to-suppoprt-college-and-career-readiness.pdf
[2] https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/relationship-between-afterschool-program/docview/2808421909/se-2?accountid=46320
[3] https://www.nlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Afterschool-and-Summer-Learning-a-city-strategy-for-public-safety-brief.pdf
[4] https://www.nlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/afterschool-and-summer-learning-a-city-strategy-for-workforce-development.pdf
[5] https://afterschoolalliance.org/documents/challenge-2023/DC-Afterschool-Fact-Sheet-2023.pdf
[6] https://afterschoolalliance.org/documents/challenge-2023/DC-Afterschool-Fact-Sheet-2023.pdf
[7] https://dcpolicycenter.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/OST-report_corrected-2023-09-23.pdf