The State of Vermont is now offering Afterschool Expansion Grants to fund the growth of afterschool and summer learning opportunities for youth. This $3.5 million grant program is open to Vermont schools and municipal, private and non-profit partners who desire to expand existing programs or create new programs and centers.
Applications for the first round of grants (distributed from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025) are due March 6, 2024. Grants range in awards of $15,000 – $150,000 with priority for projects that use school–community partnership models, improve and remove barriers to participation for students from historically marginalized groups, and serve communities with limited to no afterschool program options currently available. Competitive applications should also include how the project:
- grows and supports student voice and participation;
- provides high-quality learning opportunities and enrichment;
- supports youth mental-health, social-emotional learning and well-being; and
- keeps children and youth healthy and safe.
The Afterschool Expansion Grant program is part of the State’s commitment to increasing the access, capacity, and quality of afterschool and summer opportunities for its youth. It is facilitated by the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE). Detailed grant information and the application portal is located on AOE’s website. Grant training for prospective applicants is scheduled for 2pm today, Tuesday, January 16, 2024. For more information about participating in the training or to receive email updates on the grant program, please fill out AOE’s Afterschool Expansion Grant Contact Form.