Frequently Asked Questions General What is the goal of Project My Time?
This initiative is designed to increase the quality of after-school, weekend and summer programs for DC students as well as access to, enrollment and retention in those programs. In order to meet this goal, Project My Time fosters better coordination among all the after-school partners so that the right programs are offered to meet the interests of students who most need such activities. The goal is to better prepare students to complete high school. Where is the money coming from? The Wallace Foundation, a national foundation based in New York, has awarded up to $8 million over three years to the DC Children and Youth@ Investment Trust Corp. (the Trust), a nonprofit that works to increase the quality, quantity and accessibility of services for children, youth, and families in the District of Columbia. The Trust is raising an additional $8 million to expand the initiative. How will the money be spent? The Trust is using the money to build a better after-school system that: - Builds closer partnerships among schools, other city agencies and community-based providers to achieve better outcomes for children
- Produces a supply of high-quality programs that fit children’s interests and needs
- Supports DC Children and Youth Investment Trust funding for after-school programs in pilot schools
- Develops standards for programs and accrediting quality programs
- Provides training for providers
- Assembles a database that will permit officials to match children with quality after-school programs and other services and track youngsters’ progress in the following years
- Conducts a communications campaign to build awareness of the value of after-school programs for children and to build excitement and interest in participating.
What outcomes can we expect? More parents and children will find out-of-school time programs that engage them. The DC Public Schools will get support in the schools for coordinating after-school activities to ensure high-quality programs. Schools will be better able to identify children who need after-school and summer programs and connect them with appropriate opportunities. More quality programs will be located in neighborhoods with the greatest need. Program staff will be better trained and have access to the information they need to tailor their services to meet children’s needs. Programs will be designed to build on what children are learning in school, while providing safe, fun, and stimulating places for children to thrive. Why does the initiative begin with pilot programs in middle schools? Research shows that children with one or more of the following problems in middle school are likely not to graduate on time: failing English, failing math, truancy, and behavioral problems. By giving middle-school children better social and academic supports, we will help them transition to high school and prepare them to complete school. How will this initiative help children in DC? Studies show that children in well-designed after-school programs show increased motivation, engagement in learning, teamwork, conflict resolution, social competence, improved behavior, and leadership skills. Research indicates that children who have these skills do better in school and are more successful as adults. Where will the after-school programs be? When will they begin? In the first year, three pilot sites are opening in January 2007, at Lincoln, Kelly Miller, and Charles Hart middle schools. We will add additional sites each year, including at libraries, recreational facilities, charter schools and other community sites. The long-term goal is that all DC middle school students will have access to quality out-of-school-time programs. Who selected the pilot sites? The criteria for pilot sites were set during the planning process. The factors included geographic location, demographic diversity, and school performance. The Trust identified appropriate middle-school candidates. DC Public Schools made the final selection. How was Project My Time developed? Developing a system of quality after-school programs and activities takes a partnership of government, school, and business leaders, private funders, parents and the community. In October 2005, the Trust received a grant from The Wallace Foundation to complete a business planning process. That effort resulted in Project My Time. In order to ensure that the initiative effectively addressed the needs of DC children, the plan was developed collaboratively with a technical assistance group of 50 stakeholders, including the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust, the Mayor’s office, the DC Public Schools, several District agencies including the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and members of the local philanthropic community For Parents Can my child attend a Project My Time program? Any DC middle school child can attend any Project My Time program. Where can I find a Project My Time program? In January 2007, Project My Time is opening programs in three pilot middle schools: Charles Hart, Lincoln and Kelly Miller. We will add more sites each year. As we grow, some programs will be hosted by charter schools, libraries, recreation facilities and other community sites. What do children in Project My Time programs do? Project My Time programs operate from 3:15 to 6:30 p.m. daily. When children arrive, they are given snacks. From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., they receive academic enrichment and homework help. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., they participate in two enrichment activities of their choice (50 minutes each). These might include art, music, dance, sports, and other recreation. The electives change from time to time. In addition, on Tuesdays or Thursdays, the programs may offer community meals in the early evening. Does my child need to come every day? Yes, your child needs to attend regularly and stay for the full afternoon. We want children to get the full benefit of the program, and we also need to know how many children will be attending for planning purposes. Do I need to pay for the Project My Time programs? No, all Trust-funded programs are free to participants. Who runs the Project My Time programs? Each site has a site director responsible for coordinating the program, including communications with parents, schools, and the organizations that provide the activities. There is no Project My Time program near my home or school. How can I find after-school activities for my child? The Trust funds over 100 programs in DC. Search our database for a program nearby. How do I apply for an after-school program for my child? Our database has contact information for the after-school programs. Contact them directly to apply.
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