Jani Cousins: Why everyone benefits when DC youth have free after-school programming
As a senior reflecting on my time as a student in DC schools, I am particularly grateful for the experiences I’ve had after school. Out-of-school-time (OST) programs have opened so many doors for me — transforming my life, giving me direction, and enabling me to support my family. Every DC student should have the opportunities to benefit from the life-changing experiences I’ve had. That’s why I encourage the DC Council to pass and fully fund the Universal Out of School Time Amendment Act.
As a sophomore, I joined my first OST activity — student government. One of the first events we planned was to go hear Mayor Muriel Bowser speak about affordable housing. Her remarks awakened something in me and inspired me to start writing speeches of my own. Soon I was writing petitions and letters to get resources for our school. I realized I could use the power of my voice to make things happen for my school and my community.
My personal experience with housing insecurity led me to start advocating for affordable housing. My younger siblings and I live in Section 8 housing. Ever since my mother died, we have relied on her Social Security checks to pay the bills. I’ve seen my adult siblings struggle with their housing, too. One of my older sisters is a licensed pharmacy technician. She has a good job, and she has five kids living in a two-bedroom apartment because she can’t afford to move to a bigger home or to buy a house. My other sister had to move twice. She was living in affordable housing units but had to move when the rent was increased.
After I joined Tech Turnup, which teaches young people how to use technology to solve problems, I realized I could help people who need housing by learning to code. I created a website with affordable housing resources and launched a marketing campaign to let people know where they could get help.
Through Tech Turnup, I found out about LearnServe International, which helps young people make their visions into reality. I learned how to do policy advocacy and network, and I got to present my housing resources to legislators such as at-large DC Councilmember Robert White. Through OST programs, I’ve met councilmembers, the DC attorney general, the mayor, state governors, and President Joe Biden.
Through Mikva Challenge and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), I’ve worked on transportation safety issues and helped develop a pilot curriculum to teach kids social media safety. I’ve learned how the OAG goes after corporations that are causing harm to DC residents. I’ve traveled outside the DMV, toured colleges, and launched public awareness campaigns. I am an aspiring pediatrician and even had the opportunity to speak at the American Academy of Pediatrics. And all of this happened because of opportunities offered by OST.
OST programs have also provided me with financial assistance. The stipends I receive from some of my groups help me meet my family’s basic needs. OST programs have made it possible to take trips I couldn’t otherwise afford. Extra food left over from OST activities often becomes dinner for my siblings and me. I want councilmembers to understand that OST programs provide not just educational opportunities but also economic support, which is greatly appreciated, especially for kids who don’t have parents and who struggle.
If the District guaranteed universal access to free OST programs, young people would have the structure they need to explore new ideas and set life goals. OST programs give you passion, excitement and fulfillment, all in a safe environment. You have fun with the people you meet. They show you places and parts of life you’ve never experienced before. When young people see what’s possible, they get their priorities straight and set a path for their future.
I encourage the DC Council to pass and fund the Universal Out of School Time Amendment Act so all young people in DC like me will have these kinds of opportunities. OST has helped me find this path, and now I’m ready to run.
Native Washingtonian Jani Cousins is a senior at Cesar Chavez Public Charter for Public Policy, a Ward 7 resident, and a member of the DC Action Youth Advisory Team.
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