DYCD Launches Contest to Rename City’s Afterschool Program

Grand prize winner of competition to receive new iPad Air and keyboard

April 16, 2014 – New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Bill Chong announced today a competition to rename the City’s Out-of-School Time (OST) afterschool initiative. With Mayor de Blasio and his administration committed to increasing access to afterschool programs for middle school students in New York City, the contest seeks a new moniker to replace the generic “OST,” which is used throughout the country to refer to programming for young people during non-school hours. The grand prize winner will be awarded a new Apple iPad Air and keyboard/cover.

“As young people enter adolescence they become consumers of services and more selective in how they spend their hours outside of school,” said Commissioner Chong. “By renaming and rebranding the City’s OST program, we want to make afterschool more attractive and meaningful to older youth, particularly as quality afterschool opportunities for middle school students grow under the leadership of Mayor de Blasio.”

In 2005, DYCD launched its Out-of School Time (OST) initiative, offering students in grades K-12 a mix of free academic, recreational and cultural afterschool activities that can help them during what can be a difficult and demanding time in their lives. Through a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued on March 11, DYCD will expand afterschool programs for middle school students by funding a program in each public school (including eligible charter schools) serving grades 6-8 and currently lacking
comprehensive afterschool services. In addition to OST, DYCD supports other afterschool services operated by not-for-profit organizations in schools and community centers.

The contest runs through Wednesday, May 7, 2014, and is open to all New York City students ages 10 to 18. Entries—only one per person—can be emailed to youthconnect@dycd.nyc.gov or sent via mail to: Youth Connect c/o DYCD, 156 William Street, New York, NY 10038. Please include name, age and phone number. Written entries must be postmarked by May 7.

For complete rules and a participation form, visit the DYCD website.