New Youth Program Locator Connects ACPS Families with Program Providers

Alexandria Beyond the Classroom (ALX Beyond) released a Youth Program Locator, highlighting programs for youth in the City of Alexandria in an effort to increase engagement in expanded learning and out-of-school time (OST) programs. Through use of the locator, youth, families, community members and supporters can find programs of interest and connect with providers.

The programs featured include academic support/tutoring, arts and culture, college and career readiness, health and wellness, leadership and mentoring, outdoor and environment, service learning and community engagement, sports and athletics, faith-based programming, science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEM/STEAM) programming and multi-interest programs. 

The locator outlines each program’s location(s), start and end dates, ages and grade levels served, fee structure, availability of transportation, accommodations for youth with disabilities and more. Youth and families can connect directly with a provider for more information, if they find a program or opportunity of interest. 

The vision of ALX Beyond is that every youth (ages 3-19) in the City of Alexandria thrives, regardless of circumstances, through equitable access and engagement in high-quality and meaningful out-of-school time and expanded learning programs. 

ALX Beyond partnered with Mekanic, an Alexandria-based organizational design and brand agency, and Cityspan, a data management system provider, and along with generous support from the City of Alexandria, developed the locator and provider portal. The development of the locator is a response to the recommendations in the ACT for Alexandria community-wide landscape study, Increasing Opportunities for Alexandria City Youth: A Community Report.