The OST Professional

A True Professional in the Out-of-School Time Field

Written by Elisa Moro, Career Advisor & Registry Coach, Prime Time Palm Beach County

Youth Development Specialist at City of Greenacres Youth Programs, Amrita Rampersad, has been working in the out-of-school time field for more than four years and enjoys being able to inspire youth, expand their learning and help them to experience new things and grow as individuals. She enjoys being able to have an impact on youth and change their day from negative to positive as well as give back to her community.

Amrita started taking classes in the youth development pathway through Palm Beach State College and the Prime Time scholarship program in 2015. She started with the 40-Hour School Age Certification and then later continued onto the credit pathway. Amrita chose to pursue her education because working with youth is her passion and she wanted to continue to sharpen her skills and expertise in the youth development field. Amrita credits the courses with assisting her in understanding what it means to be a true professional in the out-of-school time field, teaching her organizational and leadership skills and increasing her ability to communicate effectively with staff, parents and youth.

Through her hard work, Amrita has obtained the 40-Hour School-Age Certification, School-Age Professional Certificate, Youth Development College Credit Certificate, Associate in Arts Degree and Associate Degree in Human Services-Youth Development. She is currently working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Supervision and Management and has only two classes left to complete her degree.

Congratulations Amrita for all that you have accomplished, we are proud of the hard work and dedication that you have put towards your education and the out-of-school time field!

Dreams Take Flight: From Afterschool Professional to the University of Miami and the Air Force Reserve

High quality afterschool matters! Belvedere Elementary Afterschool Program welcomed Scarlett Acosta to the team at 15 years old as a volunteer when she began her journey in youth development that created life changing experiences. “I began as a volunteer at Belvedere Elementary School to become more involved in my younger

Recharged and Revitalized: Prime Time’s Afterschool Symposium 2024 Celebrates the OST Field

Prime Time celebrates the out-of-school time field, programs and professionals. This year more than 300 out-of-school time professionals gathered in West Palm Beach for the Afterschool Symposium.

Fostering Teamwork Builds Excitement for Martin County Afterschool Programs

The Martin County Out-of-school Time Quality Improvement Initiative supports out-of-school time (OST) programs, funded by the Children's Services Council of Martin County with ongoing quality coaching, onsite training, mentoring of youth development strategies and professional development.

Read next