Unlocking Opportunity: What the 2022 Out of School Time Report Reveals About Poughkeepsie's Youth

August 1, 2022 - The Poughkeepsie Children's Cabinet has released a comprehensive study examining a critical gap in the community: access to high-quality out-of-school time (OST) programs. The stakes are high— by sixth grade, middle-class children have spent an average of 6,000 more hours in enrichment activities than their low-income peers, a gap that profoundly shapes educational outcomes.

The newly released Out of School Time Report examines this reality locally, where more than one in four children live in poverty and only 29% of students were enrolled in district-sponsored afterschool programs before the pandemic—a number that dropped to just 10% by Fall 2021. Through extensive research and conversations with families, educators, and community stakeholders, the report reveals both the challenges Poughkeepsie's youth face and a clear path forward.

What will it take to create a coordinated, equitable OST system that serves all Poughkeepsie children? How can the community address barriers like transportation, funding, and program accessibility? Read the complete Out of School Time Report to discover the data-driven insights and actionable recommendations that can transform afterschool programming in Poughkeepsie.