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DHSP Afterschool Programs

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) offers a variety of youth-serving, Out-of-School Time (OST) programs for Cambridge children, youth, and teens. Through our Community Schools programs, Cambridge Youth Programs, and Childcare Afterschool programs, Cambridge children, youth, and teens have access to developmentally appropriate afterschool activities during the school year, school vacation weeks, and summer camps and programs. All of our afterschool programs encourage peer connection, skill-building, and leadership development and are welcoming to all. DHSP’s Inclusion Initiative works with staff and families to ensure that our programs are inclusive of individuals with disabilities.

2024-2025 DHSP Afterschool Programs Lottery

The last day to apply / re-enroll in the DHSP Afterschool Programs Lottery was May 17. Applications received after May 17 will be automatically added to the Waiting Pool. If you would like to be added to the DHSP Afterschool Programs Lottery Waiting Pool, fill out an application here.

For more information, visit www.cambridgema.gov/AfterschoolLottery

DHSP Afterschool Lottery Data

View data from the DHSP Afterschool Programs Lottery. This includes information about the applicant pools, placements at each afterschool program site, applicants and offers by income group, and the status of sibling applications. Currently, data from the 2023-2024 DHSP Afterschool Programs Lottery is available. 

View Data

Caregiver Council

In response to diverse feedback from Cambridge families, the Department of Human Services (DHSP) is collaborating with caregivers to form a new community partnership that welcomes families into decision-making that impacts them.

Learn More

Out-of-School Time Initiatives

Inclusion Initiative – DHSP’s Inclusion Initiative works with staff and families to ensure that our afterschool programs are inclusive and supportive of individuals with disabilities who meet the basic eligibility requirements of our programs. Learn more about the Inclusion Initiative.

Agenda for Children Out-of-School-Time (AFCOST) – A joint initiative of DHSP, Cambridge Public Schools, and Nonprofit OST organizations, AFCOST supports hundreds of OST professionals with opportunities for professional development, healing, and growth to provide children, youth and families with equitable access to quality out of school time programs. Learn more about the Cambridge Agenda for Children Out-of-School-Time.

Cambridge STEAM Initiative – The Cambridge STEAM Initiative works in partnership with OST and in-school educators to support their innovative ideas and bring them to life. STEAM staff support educators through professional development workshops, STEAM program quality support and assessment, and more. Families can also connect with local STEAM afterschool programs through the STEAM Initiative’s website. Learn more about the Cambridge STEAM Initiative

 

Contact Us

Department of Human Service Programs
51 Inman St.
Cambridge, MA. 02139
617-349-6200
askdhsp@cambridgema.gov

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