Philip Steigman is an Out-of-School Time and Early Education Policy Fellow at the office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) at the US Department of Health and Human Services. The fellowship leverages the power of the federal government, working cross-agency and cross-sector to identify emerging practices that enhance the wellbeing of children and families in the early care and out-of-school time (OST) communities.
Philip’s primary professional interest is accelerating the research and implementation of positive youth development frameworks in OST settings, particularly as young people recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through relationships with peers and caring adults, positive youth development environments foster the socio-emotional skill-building that young people need to learn and be leaders and lead healthy and productive lives.
Philip began his career working hands-on in OST programs for over 15 years. He first discovered his passion for youth work as an afterschool teacher at a community-based organization in Vermont – and later directed a 21st Century Community Learning Center and served as the director of OST programming and comprehensive services at a school – both in Boston. After developing an interest in policy, he joined Boston Public Schools as a data and evaluation analyst, and at the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, he served in several roles including senior policy specialist, where he focused on strategies to help families access the child care financial assistance system, and he led health and safety policy development.
Philip has extensive experience in research, program evaluation, and analysis and development of policy. He is committed to the belief that equitable, inclusive, high-quality early education and OST opportunities are critical to the wellbeing of children, families, and communities.
Philip earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Vermont, a Master of Science degree in Family Studies from Boston University Wheelock College, and a Master of Public Policy degree from the Heller School at Brandeis University.