Expanded Role of Out-of-School-Time Coordinating Entities in Supporting Community Resilience and Equity During the Pandemic

• In Event: The Out-of-School-Time Sector: Alternative and Expanded Conceptualizations to Design, Analysis, and Evaluation

Abstract

This study examines the role out-of-school time (OST) coordinating entities (CE) played during the COVID-19 pandemic and its recovery. Based on qualitative data collected in twelve cities between June of 2021- October 2022, this study finds that across cities, these organizations played significant roles in their city’s COVID response efforts. Many CEs expanded their alliances across the learning and development ecosystem partnering with school districts, parks and recreation centers, and libraries as well as social service, health, and mental health organizations. These partnerships enabled CEs to expand their services to support whole families. CEs also expanded their attention to equity in the OST sector, particularly through efforts to build the capacity of small, often BIPOC-led, neighborhood-based providers.

Authors

• Tracey Ann Hartmann, Research for Action

• Wendy S. McClanahan, McClanahan Associates