Vision, Mission, Goals & 2010 Objectives

VISION

All school-age, Maryland youth have access to high quality learning opportunities in the out-of-school hours, allowing them to explore, create and achieve.

MISSION

The mission of the Maryland Out of School Time Network is to build a coalition of youth, families, community members, program providers, educators, funders, and policy makers to expand funding , implement more effective policies, and support increased program quality for youth opportunities in the out of school hours.

GOALS

Policy

1)      Collaborate with our legislative champions to establish and support  OST legislation

2)      Educate policy makers and the broader public on the need for and impact of OST programs

3)      Forward and coordinate nutrition and transportation issues as related to OST

Quality

1)       Develop Program Quality Improvement System

2)      Establish common outcome measures for OST programs in Maryland

3)      Facilitate expansion of training and professional development opportunities in the field

Funding

1)      Maintain and increase state funding for OST

2)      Cultivate new funding sources and make them available to OST groups

3)      Increase federal funding available to Maryland OST programs

2010 OBJECTIVES

1)      Introduce and pass legislation to create the Maryland Afterschool and Summer Learning Activity Fund through voluntary donation on the Maryland State Tax Return

2)      Complete Program Quality Improvement System Pilot and share outcomes

3)      Finalize and promote Quality Standards Framework aligned with Program Quality Improvement System

4)      Develop and promote  common outcome measures for all OST programs in Maryland

5)      Increase utilization and participation in Afterschool Snack/Supper and Summer Nutrition programs

6)      Increase participation in advocacy night to include at least 125 representatives, including youth leaders, from 18 counties (75% of Maryland jurisdictions)

7)      Increase participation in regional conference to reach 200 representatives, including youth leaders, from all 24 jurisdictions

8)      Establish statewide youth resource website

9)      Hold Forum on Evidenced Based Practice and OST to develop state policy recommendations

10)  Organize charrette on expanding OST opportunities for youth with disabilities

11)  Identify Federal level Maryland OST Champion

12)  Secure the resources necessary to sustain the network and its activities.

13)  Establish four new local level network coalitions to advance and coordinate OST at the jurisdictional level.