Biles Informs and Advocates for Out-of-School Programming

Learn to Earn Dayton (L2ED) is committed to fostering a robust ecosystem of support for students in our community, recognizing the vital role that out-of-school time (OST) programs play in their development. We're thrilled to share an update on the impactful work of our team member, Wesley O. Biles, II, Manager of K-12 Initiatives, who was an active participant at the recent Ohio Afterschool Network (OAN) Advocacy Day on April 1st.

This important event, hosted in partnership with the Children's Hunger Alliance, brought together advocates from across Ohio to engage with state legislators and highlight the significant positive impact of afterschool and summer learning programs. The day provided a crucial platform to share personal stories and data demonstrating how these programs support academic achievement, create safe and enriching environments, and provide essential support for working families.

Wesley served as a panelist for an important discussion focused on the critical importance of partnership in creating successful OST programs, a cornerstone of L2ED's work. He was joined by longtime SASC partner and dedicated educator, Rev. Dormetria Robinson Thompson, who serves as the Out-of-School Time compliance Coordinator for Omega CDC. Drawing on his experience coordinating the local Summer + Afterschool Collaborative, Wesley shared valuable insights into how L2ED is building a strong network of engaged partners.

This collaborative includes service providers, funders, and organizations offering enriching program opportunities, all working together to:

• Share best practices: Facilitating the exchange of effective strategies and innovative approaches.

• Provide professional development: Ensuring that OST professionals have access to high-quality training and resources.

• Offer technical assistance: Supporting partners to better access grant writing, reporting, and data

• Ensure engaging and diverse programming: Offering a wide range of activities that cater to the varied interests and needs of young people.

• Create a positive space for social camaraderie and networking: Building a supportive community among OST professionals.

During the panel, Wesley specifically addressed the unique challenges faced by urban districts in delivering high-quality out-of-school time programming. His contributions underscored the need for tailored solutions and collaborative efforts to address these specific needs effectively.

Beyond the panel discussion, Wesley and fellow advocates actively engaged with their respective state representatives and senators and their aides. These meetings provided a vital opportunity to discuss key policy issues that are critical to the success of out-of-school programs, including transportation and funding. The L2ED team shared both the challenges faced by OST providers in our community and compelling success stories illustrating the positive outcomes for students who participate in these programs.

The message was clear: strong communities need both great schools and great out-of-school programs. These programs are essential for increasing students' social-emotional capacity, enhancing their problem-solving skills, and boosting academic achievement. Wesley highlighted how the SASC, leveraging the resources and tools provided by the Ohio Afterschool Network, is empowering local partners to help young people in Dayton grow into healthy and thriving adults.

Wesley's participation in the OAN Advocacy Day, both as the coordinator of the local SASC and as the co-chair of the southwest hub for the Ohio Afterschool Network, demonstrates Learn to Earn Dayton's deep commitment to advocating for the needs of our students and the vital programs that support them. We are proud of Wesley's leadership and the impactful work of the Summer + Afterschool Collaborative in building a stronger future for the young people in our community.

Visit the website to learn more about the work of Learn to Earn Dayton and our continued efforts to champion high-quality out-of-school time opportunities for all students.