Supporting Providers

The Excel Beyond the Bell Partnership is committed to enhancing and recognizing quality out-of-school time programs in Montgomery County. Our goal is to establish universal standards for out-of-school time programs and build a professional development system for those who work with youth.

An important partner in this work is the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation.  DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation supports Montgomery County’s providers through a combination of direct training, coordinating and linking with other training resources, and connecting providers with each other.

Another partner, the Maryland Out-of-School Network is working on statewide standards and a professional development system that will integrate Montgomery County’s efforts.

Quality Standards. Agreed-upon standards can help providers, parents, youths, funders and supporters understand what quality and success look like in out-of-school time programs.  Local and state work on developing standards can be found here. 

Professional Development. We are striving to provide training, technical assistance and other supports that will result in highly-competent youth workers.  Regular postings of national, state and local resources, conferences and events can be found here.

Research and Resources. Many high-quality websites addressing all aspects of out-of-school time programs are available.  State and local agencies can be of assistance as well. 

Funding. Sufficient sustainable funding is essential for high-quality ongoing programs.  Learning about funding sources requires staff time that many organizations do not have.  Excel Beyond the Bell will help by identifying public and private funding that can support direct services as well as staff and organizational development.