Out of School Time (OST) refers to the period of time a child or youth spends outside of school. In Philadelphia, OST programs are delivered in partnership with the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families. OST programs are designed to support working parents and caregivers by benefitting a child’s academic, social and personal development, helping them to stay safe and avoid at risk behaviors.

What makes Out of School Time so Special?

For well over twenty-five years, Catholic Charities of Philadelphia (CCoP) has welcomed thousands of inner-city children and youth to afterschool and summer programming that provide academic enrichment and positive youth development.

Through the current contract with the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), Catholic Charities operates several Out of School Time programs throughout the City of Philadelphia that celebrate, support and encourage children and youth to become the best version of themselves.

Programs are licensed by the PA Department of Human Services (DHS) to ensure that all CSS facilities meet the highest level of health, safety, and staffing credential requirements. 

Our mission is to enrich the lives of children, youth, and families by providing educational programs and services in communities confronting high rates of poverty and other barriers.

To achieve this mission, Catholic Charities’ OST programs provide opportunities for educational assistance and personal enrichment though:

• STEAM project-based learning
•  Math and Reading clubs
• Chess and Scrabble games and tournaments
• Fitness classes
• Field Trips
• Career Exploration
• Creative expression through art
• Culinary programs
• Family Events

And so much more.