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Why OST matters
Students who participate in afterschool and summer learning programs attend school more often, do better in school and are more likely to graduate. These expanded learning opportunities engage students in enriching experiences that foster leadership, collaboration, and responsibility.
Afterschool and summer learning programs help young people develop the skills they need for a successful future. Students across New Mexico are engaging in hands-on projects, working together to tackle real-world problems, and getting connected with community projects, internships, summer jobs and mentoring experiences.
Families across America report that the gap between work and school schedules can be up to 25 hours per week. Parents’ lack of afterschool options results in lost productivity that costs U.S. businesses up to $300 billion per year.
Among the things New Mexico Parents listed as important elements of afterschool:
In New Mexico and as a nation, we have much more work ahead of us to ensure that all children are afforded the opportunities afterschool and summer learning programs offer. It will take a united effort to increase the availability of quality programs to help children reach their full potential and succeed in school, college, career, and beyond.
The New Mexico Out-of-School Time Network (NMOST) brings together policymakers, educators, childcare providers, youth development workers, and other stakeholders interested in ensuring positive youth development opportunities and outcomes through out-of-school time programs.