Out-of-School Time

Our Out-of-School Time (OST) department oversees the Excel Beyond the Bell Middle School program and is playing a central role in implementing a County-wide OST strategy.

The Excel Beyond the Bell (EBB) Collaborative is a public-private partnership created to inspire our youth to realize their full potential by offering safe, quality, and accessible Out-of-School Time (OST) programs. The Collaboration Council’s OST team works in partnership with the Montgomery County Recreation, Montgomery County Public Schools, and community-based organizations to offer the EBB program in middle schools.

Starting a new year of Excel Beyond the Bell – Fall 2025

In FY25, EBB Middle served more than 1,900 middle-school studentsthrough 155 programs offered at 10 schools. Average daily attendance was 455.

To learn more, visit ExcelBeyondtheBell.org

OST System Building

Our OST system building efforts are guided by Out-of-School Time System-Building Strategic Plan Report, which was generated by the OST Strategic Planning Workgroup, with the Collaboration Council acting as the lead facilitator. This report outlines strategic recommendations for a coordinated, community-aligned, and accessible OST system.

To download the report in English or Spanish, visit collaborationcouncil.org/OSTplanning

MoCo OST Network

The MoCo OST Network brings together program providers, government agencies, for-profit businesses, community members, and – most importantly – young people, to strengthen and expand high-quality OST opportunities across Montgomery County, MD. The purpose of this community-driven network is to ensure accessible high-quality OST strategies, models and providers for all children, youth and communities.

Growing a robust Provider Network as part of the OST Network is a top priority during Phase 1 of the OST Strategic Plan for the County, and more than 30 providers had joined by the end of fiscal year 2025. We facilitated regular meetings with Provider Network members and, with their input, developed an informational flyer and social media graphic for current members to share with colleagues, along a web page where OST providers can learn more and sign up to join the network.

To learn more, visit collaborationcouncil.org/OSTnetwork

Advancing Youth Development Training

Advancing Youth Development (AYD) Training is an intensive four-day professional development opportunity for community youth workers who work directly with youth ages 10 to 24 in school and community settings in Montgomery County.

This training gives participants the necessary tools and skills to understand youth culture. Youth practitioners learn how to help youth navigate and use resources, identify their own strengths, and define and achieve goals. We are proud to have provided this nationally recognized training to hundreds of providers in the County.

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