OST Scholarship Recipient Kooper Brisbon enjoys time on the playground at an After-School Program
This Summer, The Community Foundation reached an exciting milestone, distributing more than $500,000 in funding to support students in DC. Established in 2021 through DC’s Learn 24 Office, The Community Foundation has distributed ‘Out of School Time’ (OST) scholarships to support more than 170 students and their families through a wide range of programs including:
Advanced Coursework
Research has recently shed light on a phenomenon known as the Achievement Trap -- the systemic neglect experienced by high-achieving students from lower-income families. In DC, there are thousands of such students that overcome challenging socioeconomic circumstances everyday in order to excel academically. However, even bright children need extra support to achieve their full potential. Extracurricular programs like writing camps and advanced STEM classes can stretch the minds of talented students and help them take their knowledge to the next level.
Remedial Programs
Starting-line disparities hinder educational mobility. Many DCPS students start school needing extra support. Others have special learning needs that require additional assistance. The extra support and additional assistance needed is often out of the financial reach of DCPS families. Through the Learn 24 OST scholarship grant, The Community Foundation has helped students and families access programs that provide individual tutoring that helps students build the foundation for academic success.
Nurturing Creativity
There are countless stories of the challenging child whose shining accomplishment is creative talent. By giving children the space, opportunity, and encouragement to pursue their own passions and dreams, self-confidence and feelings of love and acceptance are instilled. Since its inception in 2021, the Learn 24 OST grant has provided dozens of students the opportunity to explore their creative interests through cooking classes, art programs, and music lessons. Creating a natural culture of fulfillment that will have lasting effects well into their adulthood.
Social Support
Problem-solving, imagination, critical thinking… they’re all cognitive skills necessary to keeping a competitive edge in today’s ever-changing world. Developing these skills in socio-economically disadvantaged households often requires the type of wraparound services and support provided through the Learn24 network. Over the past year, through the Learn 24 OST grant, dozens of DC students have benefited from life-changing speech therapies, life-skills development camps, and world culture camps and classes that enrich their physical, mental, and emotional health.
OST Scholarship Award Statistics
Student Success Stories
We are excited to share the impact of this incredible initiative, including testimonials from several families who were beneficiaries:
“I can’t begin to explain the impact this grant will have on my son’s future and on his confidence. The past 3 years have been strenuous and the amount of assistance he needs is not easily found and funded.
This will make sure his transition into middle school will be a little less difficult and more importantly, give him the foundation he needs in order to succeed in life. Thank you thank you!
”
“I am truly thankful for this scholarship opportunity for my son Kooper. As a single mom, I did not have the resources to pick up my child at the regular dismissal time. Because of the OST Youth Scholarship Program, Kooper will be able to continue learning beyond the classroom.
I am also excited that Koop will be able to continue his studies at Lee Montessori-East End Campus. Thanks for giving my son the chance to thrive and become someone great in life!”
Due to high demand, the Learn 24 OST scholarship program is not accepting new applications at this time. For information about available grant and scholarship opportunities, please visit our website!