Out-of-School Time

EDC designs, supports, and evaluates out-of-school time (OST) programs to enrich students academically, emotionally, and physically through after-school and summer school activities.

Four youth being playful, wearing matching shirts from an afterschool program.

Our out-of-school time (OST) programs provide learners with high-quality educational experiences that drive positive social and economic outcomes. These programs—such as after-school, summer, and other non-formal learning activities—help youth develop essential life skills and prepare them for success in school, work, and life.

Across the United States, we build providers’ and programs’ capacity to provide high-quality learning opportunities through initiatives such as the National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment. Our support includes providing training, implementation assistance, and high-quality resources including toolkits, curricula, and guides.

As an  evaluation partner for OST initiatives at the national, state, and local levels, we advance knowledge of how to enhance OST learning and improve outcomes for young people.  Key OST evaluation initiatives include the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Evaluation, our National Park Foundation Evaluation and Learning Partnership, and NASA@ My Library Evaluation.