Vision, Mission, Goals & 2011 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
2011 OBJECTIVES
1) Introduce and pass legislation to increase state level resources for OST including:
a. Create the Maryland Afterschool and Summer Learning Activity Fund through voluntary donation on the Maryland State Tax Return; and,
b. Establish the Combating Obesity Fund which will support opportunities for physical activity, healthy meals and nutrition education for young people in the out of school hours by applying the sales and use tax to unhealthy snacks.
2) Increase utilization of the Programs’ Quality Standards Framework and the aligned Youth Program Quality Assessment tool - adding at least 4 new jurisdictions and/or systems of OST.
3) Increase utilization and participation in Afterschool Snack/Supper and Summer Nutrition programs.
4) Organize charrette on expanding OST opportunities for youth with disabilities attended by at least 75 participants.
5) Offer at least two training opportunities for OST program providers on benefits access and the use of Maryland SAIL.
6) Develop a map of afterschool and summer programs funded through state and federal investment to share with policy makers.