As you know, OST funding benefited significantly from federal COVID relief funds over the past few years. These funds allowed our schools to expand and enhance after-school services. However, as these relief funds have dried up, there has been a noticeable reduction in OST funding, which has impacted schools' ability to maintain these services. 

It is important to note that there remain OST vendors who provide services at no cost to schools through CPS partnership and funding for those partnerships remains intact. CPS has confirmed its intent to hold vendor fairs at no cost, providing alternative options for school leaders. One of our goals is to support school leaders by helping connect them with community partners that can provide the after-school support that students have become accustomed to. We will work with our members to identify and leverage resources to fill the gaps left by the reduction in those federal funds.

We encourage school leaders to explore the options available through vendor partnerships and to attend CPS-sponsored vendor fairs. 

CPAA is committed to working collaboratively alongside community organizations to ensure that our students continue to receive the support they need. Our focus remains on the well-being and success of our students to ensure they continue to receive enrichments in the face of these funding challenges. 

Please let us know your thoughts at news@mycpaa.com. Additionally, if you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to our Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, Gerald Morrow, at gmorrow@mycpaa.com. 

Forward with purpose,

CPAA Communications Department