Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Project My Time?

Project My Time is an initiative designed to increase the quality of after-school, weekend and summer programs for DC students as well as access to and enrollment in those programs. This initiative also helps retain students in effective programs that will better prepare them to complete high school. An important goal of this initiative also is better coordination among all the after-school partners so that the right programs are offered to meet the interests of students who most need such activities.

Where is the money coming from?

The Wallace Foundation, a national foundation based in New York, has awarded up to $8 million over three years to the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corp., (the Trust), a nonprofit that works to increase the quality, quantity and accessibility of services for children, youth, and families in the District of Columbia. The Trust is raising an additional $8 million to expand the initiative. That additional money will pay for facility costs, evaluation and data analysis, capacity-building for providers and increased program dollars.

How is the Wallace grant being spent?

The Trust is spending the grant to build a better after-school system that:

What outcomes can we expect from Project My Time?

More parents and children will find out-of-school time programs that engage them. The DC Public Schools will get support in the schools for coordinating after-school activities to ensure high-quality programs. Schools will be better able to identify children who need after-school and summer programs and connect them with appropriate opportunities. More quality programs will be located in neighborhoods with the greatest need. Program staff will be better trained and have access to the information they need to tailor their services to meet children’s needs. Programs will be designed to build on what children are learning in school, while providing safe, fun, and stimulating places for children to thrive.

Where will the after-school programs be? When will they begin?

In the first year, three pilot sites — at Hart, Kelly Miller, and Lincoln middle schools — are opening in January 2007. We will add additional sites each year, including charter schools, community-based sites and recreation facilities. The long-term goal is that all students in the District eventually will benefit from this improved system.

What kinds of activities will students be able to participate in?

The Trust is surveying families in the three pilot school neighborhoods about the programs they want. And in partnership with the local principals, the Trust is developing a unique offering of engaging programs for each site. Included are academic enrichment, homework help, and electives, such as art, music, dance and sports.

Why does Project My Time focus on middle school?

Research shows that children with one or more of the following problems in middle school are likely not to graduate on time: failing English, failing math, truancy, and behavioral problems. By giving middle-school children better social and academic supports, we will help them transition to high school and prepare them to complete school.

How does Project My Time help children in DC?

Studies show that children in well-designed after-school programs show increased motivation, engagement in learning, teamwork, conflict resolution, social competence, improved behavior, and leadership skills. Research indicates that children who have these skills do better in school and are more successful as adults.

What are the challenges faced by DC children?

DC children in middle school face significant challenges:

Who selected the pilot sites?

The criteria for pilot sites were set during the planning process. The factors included geographic location, demographic diversity, and school performance. The Trust identified appropriate middle-school candidates. DC Public Schools made the final selection.

Do parents have to pay for these programs?

No. All programs funded by the Trust are free to participants.

How was the initiative developed?

Developing a system of quality after-school programs and activities takes a partnership of government, school, and business leaders, private funders, parents and the community.

In October 2005, the Trust received a grant from The Wallace Foundation to complete a business planning process. That effort resulted in this initiative. In order to ensure that the initiative effectively addressed the needs of DC children, the plan was developed collaboratively with a technical assistance group of 50 stakeholders, including the Trust, the Mayor’s office, the DC Public Schools, several District agencies including the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and members of the local philanthropic community.

Which other cities have similar out-of-school-time initiatives?

The Wallace Foundation also is supporting out-of-school-time initiatives in Boston, Chicago, Providence, and New York. The aim is to develop comprehensive systems for out-of-school learning with consistently high standards.