What Does PMT Do?

This initiative improves the quality of after-school programs for every DC student and increases participation in those programs. It integrates the youth development approach into all DC’s after-school programs, creating programs and services that support healthy development, school performance, and a smooth transition to high school. Ultimately, a strong after-school system will help youth become self-sufficient productive adults.

Project My Time includes five components that serve all children in DC: closer partnerships among the various agencies and groups that serve children; a supply of diverse high-quality programs located where they are most needed; youth outcomes and standards to help providers and funders assess and improve programs; a data system that will enable those working with a child or family, including after-school providers, to access and share information to better serve children; and a communications campaign to build awareness of the importance of afterschool.

Project My Time also supports pilot projects focused on middle schools. The District has more than 150 programs that serve at least some middle-school students — programs ranging from academics to sports to arts to mentoring. But the District lacks the right out-of-school programs in the right places for the needs and interests of children and their families. Local research conducted for this initiative showed that 60 percent of children participate in out-of-school-time activities between one and five days a week. On average, students were spending only two days a week in after-school activities, but said they likely would attend four days a week, if given the opportunity. Many community-based program providers also expressed a desire for higher-quality options for middle-school children.

Because this initiative invests in improving the quality of current programs, it will make our current investments in out-of-school time programs more efficient and effective. Project My Time is not about short-term fixes. We are building a system to last.