Of the 41 agencies in Philadelphia which will receive funding from the city’s Department of Human
Services (DHS) $23 million Out-of-School Time program budget for the 2019-20 school year, four were
in the Southwest. Listed are the agencies and the related school locations:
Southwest CDC: Patterson Elementary
Education Works: Morton Elementary
Univ. of Penn. Trustees: Comegys Elementary
TheVillage: Bryant Elementary and Middle School, Tilden Middle School &
Catharine Elementary
The programs were selected from over 300 applications from city youth-serving organizations. Due to the demand in high-need areas, this year’s awards were increased by an additional $2 million.
Also receiving support under the grant was the Mayor’s Office of Education to assure the quality of the OST programs. The focus for the OST programs will continue to be literacy skills, high school transition, career exposure, and college preparedness. Research confirms quality OST activities promote better school attendance, increased levels of physical activities, and reduced violent activity.
All awardees will receive DHS technical assistance, training, and resource development, which is supported in part through a grant from the William Penn Foundation. “Children deserve fun, safe, and engaging opportunities to learn and explore even when they’re not in school,” noted Mayor Kenney, affirming how the City and School District are working together to support students’ well-being and long-term success.”
“Out-of-school time programming provides important supplemental learning opportunities for students,” said School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. William Hite.
Cynthia Figueroa, Philadelphia DHS Commissioner added, “We are so thrilled to bring quality after school activities into the community. Quality Out-of-School Time reflects the Department of Human Services’ commitment to supporting children and their families and investing in community-based programs that work to build up our neighborhoods and provide safe spaces where children can thrive.”
“Bringing quality Out-of-School Time programming to neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia will help children and expand what is possible for their lives,” said Waleska Maldonado, Philadelphia DHS Deputy Commissioner, Prevention Services. “This is a great step forward for children and families!”
For more on awardees and program locations, visit: www.philadhsost.org/
Information for this article was provided by the Mayor’s Office of Communication in its release of August 12: https://www.phila.gov/2019-08-12-city-increases-quality-out-of-school-time-funding-23-million-
awarded/
