In November, the Summer + Afterschool Collaborative (SASC) gathered for its quarterly meeting and strategic planning session, bringing together a network of over 30 partners committed to improving out-of-school time (OST) programming for Montgomery County students. This dynamic collaboration aims to increase access to high-quality programs that support student success beyond the traditional school day.
Growing Participation and Impact
One of the most exciting updates from the meeting was the addition of 15 new organizations to the SASC network this year alone. These new partners have already participated in SASC-related activities, contributing to the expansion and enhancement of OST programming throughout the region. As the collaborative continues to grow, so does its ability to support a diverse range of opportunities for students in Montgomery County.
Focused Work Groups Driving Change
Currently, several work groups are at the forefront of efforts to improve OST experiences for local students. These work groups are tackling critical areas such as:
Afterschool Transportation: Advocating for better transportation options to ensure all students can access afterschool programs.
Academic & STEM Opportunities: Expanding learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Social-Emotional Learning & Health Awareness: Promoting programs that support students' mental health and emotional well-being.
Professional Development: Enhancing training and support for both students and OST staff to build capacity and improve program quality.
Attendance Improvements: Addressing barriers to consistent participation in afterschool programs, ensuring more students can take full advantage of these opportunities.
Strategic Planning for the Future
At the November meeting, the team was excited to welcome Ten Speed Consulting, a partner firm leading the strategic planning process for the collaborative. Their role is critical as they guide the SASC in aligning with the upcoming Quality Standards from the Ohio Afterschool Network. This forward-thinking initiative will position the collaborative to continue its work in fostering high-quality, impactful out-of-school programs for years to come.
Gratitude to the Charles D. Berry Foundation
None of this progress would be possible without the support of the Charles D. Berry Foundation, whose generous funding makes the work of the SASC possible. Their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for local students is deeply appreciated and crucial to the success of this collaborative.
Join the Collaborative
If your organization is interested in being a part of the Summer + Afterschool Collaborative and contributing to the future of out-of-school time programming in Montgomery County, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to Wesley Biles II at wesley.biles2@learntoearndayton.org for more information on how to get involved.
For more details on the SASC and our ongoing initiatives, visit Learn to Earn Dayton's SASC page.
Together, we can ensure that every student in Montgomery County has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.
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