"I Hate This Program" Pt. 1: It's Time for Change!

Outdated OST Models Are Failing Youth: It’s Time for a Change

For years, Out-of-School Time (OST) programs have been a cornerstone of youth development. But if we’re honest, many of these programs are no longer hitting the mark. Youth engagement is declining, and the feedback from the young people we serve is loud and clear: traditional OST models don’t work for them anymore.

The problem isn’t that we lack good intentions. It’s that these programs were designed for a different time—a time when youth weren’t looking for the same level of partnership, purpose, and ROI (Return on Investment) that they expect today.

This is the first article in a three-part series where we’ll explore the shift needed to transform youth engagement. In this installment, we’ll focus on why traditional OST models are no longer effective and how they must evolve to meet the needs of today’s youth.

What’s Wrong with Traditional OST Models?

Many traditional OST programs rely on rigid structures that prioritize activity schedules over youth voice. While these programs aim to create positive outcomes, they often fall short because they fail to address the evolving expectations of young people.

Here’s what’s not working:

• Youth as Participants, Not Partners: In traditional models, youth are expected to attend, follow the program, and stay in their lane. There’s little room for them to lead, contribute ideas, or take ownership.
• Lack of Real-World Relevance: Many programs don’t connect with what youth care about. They fail to link activities to real-world skills, community impact, or career opportunities.
• No Immediate ROI: Young people today are highly aware of the value of their time. If they don’t see tangible benefits—like skills, certifications, or meaningful experiences—they’re quick to disengage.

The result? Frustrated youth, frustrated youth workers, and programs that struggle to meet their goals.

Why This Matters to Organizations

When youth disengage, the impact isn’t limited to them—it reverberates throughout the entire organization.

• Declining Participation: Without youth buy-in, attendance drops, making it harder to justify programs to funders.
• Strained Relationships: Frustration from both youth and staff can erode trust and collaboration.
• Funding Challenges: Organizations that fail to show impact risk losing the financial support they need to survive.

The bottom line? When youth don’t see value in what we’re offering, everyone loses.

What Youth Want (and Need) Instead

To truly engage youth, we need to stop thinking about them as passive participants and start treating them as partners. This means offering:

• Opportunities for Leadership: Let youth take the lead, share ideas, and co-create experiences.
• Real-World Connections: Focus on hands-on activities that link to careers, community impact, or personal growth.
• Immediate Value: Provide outcomes like certifications, skills, or even stipends that show youth their time is respected.

By making these shifts, we can create environments where youth feel empowered, invested, and excited to show up.

Looking Ahead

In Part 2 of this series, we’ll dive into actionable strategies to replace outdated programs with opportunities that deliver real value. From youth-led initiatives to mentorship programs and certifications, we’ll explore how to create experiences that truly engage and empower young people.

Call to Action

If this resonates with you, now is the time to take action. Let’s reimagine youth engagement together:

• Reflect: Are your programs treating youth as participants or partners?
• Listen: Ask the young people in your programs what they truly want and need.
• Innovate: Brainstorm ways to add real-world relevance and value to your offerings.

Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments. Let’s work together to create a future where youth engagement isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality.