Whether your out-of-school time (OST) program operates inside or outside school walls, establishing meaningful partnerships with schools is important. Successful OST program/school partnerships help provide a seamless day of learning for youth, allow the OST program and school to leverage resources, and promote positive youth outcomes.

A number of different strategies can help you create and sustain strong partnerships with schools: hiring school day staff for your program, inviting the principal to sit on your board, inviting school officials and staff to program celebrations and performances, and recognizing school officials at public events are just a few. Some resources to help you build partnerships with schools:

National Collaboration for Youth Toolkit (make sure to check out their communications tips for community based organizations)

Afterschool Alliance Partnerships Information (Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley provides a helpful case study)

Shared Features of High-Performing After-School Programs: A Follow-Up to the TASC Evaluation finds intentioanl relationship-building to be a common factor of high-quality programs.