• Oakland’s children do not have any feeder pattern public schools, so after-school programs help children, especially children of color, get to know other kids in their neighborhood and develop community bonds to help children and their families grow and learn together.
• “I completely agree. Our children are completely invisible here in Oakland and in nearby Shadyside. It is as if children are "not welcome" in Oakland and parents are forcefully pushed to leave the neighborhood.”

• “...Oakland does not have any feeder pattern public schools, and busing and school choice (magnets, charters) can make it challenging for children to develop friendships with their peers in the neighborhood.”
• After school programs to build community are necessary.
• Support OPDC's successful program model that has a well-honed curriculum, School to Career.
• After-school programs could provide part-time jobs for college students. Students are positive role models for children and youth.
  

• Institutions and resident organizations agree on the importance of supporting area youth and collaborate to improve the lives of children through teenage years.
• The institutions are actively working to increase the share of their employees who live in Oakland, and supportive services such as out of school programs are key to making sure that the neighborhood is attractive to these potential residents, just as it is for existing residents.
• These programs provide a unique support for all Oakland residents and can be a way to build community.
• This program could be linked to the Community service hub proposal.
• In addition to this proposal, Oakland should continue to advocate for local public schools, but should also be involved in developing feeder patterns for its children so community fabric is supported when children return home from school,

When to start: 3-5 years

Duration: Ongoing

Estimated costs: $$ (out of $$$$)

Project lead(s): OPDC

Project partner(s): PID, The Corner, SONG, Carnegie Library, CMP, institutions, City of Pittsburgh

Potential funding source(s): Grants, foundations, institutions, UPMC