"OST Pathways is an intentional, research-informed 10-month coaching initiative designed to strengthen the out-of-school-time (OST) field. Focused on both classroom staff and administrators, our program blends personalized sustainability coaching with targeted support around educator wellbeing, positive youth discipline, and long-term operational planning. We believe lasting impact comes from equipping and empowering people—from the ground up—with the tools, resilience, and confidence to lead and sustain high-quality OST programming.
OST Pathways is managed by Southwestern Child Development Commission Inc. and funded by Dogwood Health Trust. Currently, OST Pathways is available to select targeted OST programs in Western North Carolina, including Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey counties of North Carolina.
Rooted in the belief that educator wellness is foundational to strong learning environments, OST Pathways bridges the gap between overstretched OST professionals and the funding, structure, and best practices they need to thrive. Made possible by Dogwood Health Trust funding since 2024, OST Pathways Coaching Program offers free, ongoing, evidence-based coaching—from emotional resilience and positive discipline to grant writing and program sustainability. Whether you're in the classroom or steering your program, OST Pathways is where support and sustainability meet.
Click the button below for more information on OST Pathways
