NIOST's mission is to ensure that all children, youth, and families have access to high quality programs, activities, and opportunities. We believe that these experiences are essential to the healthy development of children and youth, who then can become effective and capable members of society.

Our work bridges the worlds of research and practice. We provide evaluations, consultation, and training to create innovative and effective solutions to out-of-school time needs on a local, state, regional and national basis.