Programs

Not just afterschool programming.

Out-of-school programming.

Our programs are designed to pair intensive resources and strong relationships to bring a unique variety of experiences to our scholars and families. 

We specialize in four primary categories of enrichment:

• afterschool programs 
• summer programs 
• responsive family engagement
• scholar travel opportunities

Afterschool  

ODA's flagship afterschool programs – available for elementary, middle, and high school scholars at select schools – run daily during the school year and incorporate academic enrichment with a focus on core subjects of English Language Arts and math, social emotional learning, college and career exposure, and enrichment. Enrichment activities reflect the interests of students and can include visual and performing arts, entrepreneurship training, STEM, robotics clubs, and more.

Summer 

ODA’s summer programs incorporate opportunities for students in grades K-12 and runs up to 8 weeks between June-August each year. Scholars can lose up to 34% of their school year learning gains during the summer in a phenomenon known as “summer slide.” Our programs have been proven to prevent much of this learning loss and ensure that scholars are prepared to begin their next school year. 

Our K-8 summer camp focuses on academics (English Language Arts and math), social emotional learning, visual and performing arts, health and wellness (yoga, soccer, basketball), mindfulness, and experiential learning through field trips. ODA also partners with area museums, parks, and organizations to develop meaningful hands-on learning opportunities both inside the classroom and out in the community.  

ODA’s high school summer program is rooted in college and career exploration and experiential learning. Scholars research colleges and careers, build resumes, practice public speaking and presentation skills, and work as paid interns in our K-8 summer camp. We also go on a variety of college visits and field trips and end summer with a week-long service-learning trip.

Family engagement 

Family engagement is at the center of everything we do at ODA. Parents and caregivers are every child’s first and most important teachers, which is why it is essential that we include them as true partners in this work. We host exciting family engagement activities and educational workshops to ensure our families have the necessary tools to support their child’s success both in and out of the classroom.  

Our Family Program team also provides wraparound support by connecting families with local service providers that specialize in areas such as housing, food stability, workforce development, legal support, mental health, tutoring, and more.

Scholar travel 

ODA offers scholar travel opportunities for scholars in grades 6-12 who are enrolled in our academic year and summer programs. Trips during the academic year typically occur over school breaks and on weekends and focus heavily on college exposure. In the past, we’ve traveled to Washington, D.C., toured Historically Black Colleges and Universities including Lincoln and Howard, and visited important cultural and historical sites while in our nation’s capital. Over summer, we typically engage in a weeklong service-learning trip with high school scholars. We’ve historically gone to Harlan, Kentucky, and most recently, Detroit, Michigan.  

All of our program offerings are differentiated by grade level and responsive to the needs of each child we serve.