To continually see how seriously others take our work is uplifting and helps the world to see us a legitimate part of children's lives”

  - Luis, Program Director and 2015 OST Symposium participant

The OST Symposium

This past November, the Agenda for Children’s Out of School Time (OST) Symposium harnessed Cambridge's collective efforts and knowledge for the 5th year in a row! OST Community members facilitated 23 inspiring and content rich workshops for over 150 participants.

Participants reveled in the joy of creating playful spaces; thought deeply about topics that are relevant to the times we are living in such as youth culture, media literacy, bias and cultural sensitivity; engaged in physical and outdoor education; dove into therapeutic and expressive arts; went full STEAM ahead with experiential design and engineering AND so much more. There was also ample time for people to reconnect, recharge and form new connections. The OST community of learners approached the Symposium with energy, excitement, focus and curiosity! They continue to move their practice
forward in the pursuit of excellence for all young people and families in Cambridge. 

See 2017 Workshops

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​Symposium History

In 2013, the Agenda for Children created the OST Symposium for the Cambridge out-of-school time community. The Symposium was designed as an opportunity for members of the community to present their passions, interests and best practices to each other in a conference-style format, with large group events, break-out sessions, and networking opportunities. The first Symposium included upwards of twenty-five workshops that engaged over 200 community participants. All presenters were members of the Cambridge OST community, including front line staff, program directors, executives, and Agenda for Children Coaches.

Each Fall the OST Symposium harnesses Cambridge's collective efforts and knowledge, moving the community forward in its pursuit of excellent practice. In the spirit of inclusion, equity and access, the event is open to everyone with an interest in participating, including our external partners.  

Goals

• The creation of a safe environment that supports our efforts in building our OST professional community through peer leadership, mutual learning, and sharing of challenges and promising practices. 
• The creation of a professional development opportunity for community practitioners that embodies the Agenda for Children’s mission, “to convene, support and share innovations with the youth-serving community of Cambridge,” and belief that “all people have the capacity for change and growth; when adults who work with youth are provided with opportunities for continuous learning, clear expectations and accountability, there is a positive impact on opportunities and experiences for youth."