Out of School Time (OST)

Eligibility        21st Century Community Learning Centers

The Out of School Time (OST) Initiative was put into place to serve youth ages 9-14 throughout Pinellas County  (see providers and locations). 

• Would you like to see your child involved in extra-curricular activities that stimulate their learning, imagination and potential?
  

• Does your child go home to an empty house before you arrive home from work?
  

• Would you like your child to do better in school?
  

• Does your child seem to get into trouble because there’s nothing else to do?
  

• Would you like your child to have opportunities to explore new and interesting ideas in a hands-on environment?
  

• Could your child use homework assistance or tutoring?
  

• Your child doesn't need “babysitting” anymore, but you would like them to be in a structured environment?
  

• Does your child have leadership skills that need to be directed in a positive way?
  

• Would a free program work with your budget?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, one of our out of school time programs may be exactly what your family has been looking for.
 
Research shows that youth who spend more on-going, quality time in programs that have age-appropriate and youth-led activities:

• Stay better connected to family
  

• Stay better connected to school
  

• Are more likely to be involved in their communities
  

• Have a better ability to resist negative peer pressure and relationships
  

• Form positive peer relationships
  

• Have greater school success

Pre-teen and early teen years can be a time of great change for many youth.  Developmentally, these kids are just starting to figure out who they are, what they like, and what might interest them in the future.  Staying connected to family, positive friends, school and other constructive influences can play a large part in their success.  Although this time period can be a challenge for middle school youth, the OST team and providers are working on providing the components necessary to keep youth and their families engaged.  

Eligibility

OST program eligibility is based on:

• Age – all youth must be between the ages of 9 and 14 upon enrollment
  

• Residency – all youth teens must live in Pinellas County
  

• Income - all programming is free to those with total household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level for household income/size; or residence is in a special focus area zip code (income presumptive geographical area).
  

• Program providers require documentation of the above eligibility requirements upon enrollment.  This list of documents for OST eligibility, may be helpful.

Programming may also be available for youth who do not meet the above specified criteria.  Please contact individual providers for other opportunities and/or fees. 

OST programs can be found throughout the county in 36 sites that include both middle schools and community recreation centers.  There are an additional five 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) as well.  Check the Providers and locations link for a community center or school near you! 

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)

In addition to the standard OST program, there are also five  21st Century Community  Learning Centers in Pinellas County that serve youth ages 9-14.  This is a grant funded program through the Florida Department of Education that is free to participants and has an academic success focus.  These 5-year grants offer opportunities for students and their families to continue to learn new skills and discover new abilities in out of school time. 

Four agencies have implemented the 21st Century Community Learning Center model at three middle schools and two community centers in Pinellas County:

• City of St. Petersburg

• R’Club Child Care Inc.
  

• YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg
  

• YMCA of the Suncoast

For more information about 21st Century Learning Centers or the Florida Department of Education, please visit, their web site at:

http://www.fldoe.org/curriculum/21century/