The Universal Out of School Time Amendment Act of 2025 seeks to amend the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes Establishment Act of 2016 to ensure that all youth enrolled in public schools in the District of Columbia have universal access to out-of-school-time (OST) programming by 2036. The bill introduces new definitions such as "child with a disability," "community-based organization," "equitable access," and "universal access," which clarify the legislation's intent. It mandates the Office to develop a strategic plan that prioritizes at-risk youth and addresses geographic disparities in programming availability, while also outlining the Office's responsibilities in coordinating and improving OST offerings, administering funding, and conducting program analyses.
Furthermore, the bill establishes a requirement for the District to implement a system aimed at achieving universal access to OST programs by 2036, starting from January 1, 2027. The strategic plan will involve collaboration with the Mayor's Office of Racial Equity and will prioritize youth input. Key components include expanding seat capacity by at least 10% annually, addressing service gaps, and ensuring equitable access for at-risk youth, children with disabilities, English language learners, and low-income families. The legislation also emphasizes improved program quality, funding strategies, and the removal of barriers to participation, while mandating the publication of annual reports on program capacity and demographic data to enhance transparency and accountability in OST programming.