What are After School Programs?
After School Programs (sometimes referred to as Out-of-School Time) are supervised programs that youth regularly attend when school is not in session. They deliver activities to promote positive youth development which may include but are not limited to the following: academic support; educational enrichment; STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), cultural and social development; recreation; sports; fitness and wellness; visual and performing arts; tutoring and homework services; civic engagement; leadership skills; career exploration; service learning; college preparation; and development of the whole child.
Starting Point serves as the lead agency for these programs in the MyCom Network. MyCom is a youth development network with a vision that all children & young adults in Greater Cleveland have access to and engage in positive opportunities that allow them to become productive adults
What are the benefits?
After school and summer programs, often referred to as OST or Expanded Learning, are a critical component of healthy youth development. Research shows that high-quality OST programs can support social, emotional, and academic development; reduce risky behaviors; promote physical health; and provide safe and supportive environments for children and youth. In other words, OST programs keep kids safe, support learning, and help working families.Â
Starting Point is Cuyahoga County’s After School Intermediary. Through a public-private partnership, Starting Point supports a network of After School programs in 30 neighborhoods throughout Cuyahoga County.Â
Click the button below to use Starting Point’s After School Program Locator to find engaging activities for youth in your community. The button will take you to another website for the search.
