Workforce Development
The struggle to fill Out-of-School Time (OST) staff positions with diverse and qualified candidates who represent the communities they serve has raised alarm among stakeholders in Michigan and across the nation.
High turnover plagues most OST programs. Low pay, odd work schedules, and the social/emotional demands of working with youth create significant barriers to retention and recruitment of skilled OST professionals. These challenges become obstacles to attracting applicants to entry level positions and promoting the career pathways necessary to ensuring a recognized and stable profession.