Ten Center Track State Afterschool Grants were awarded to two community-based organizations and eight supervisory unions and school districts. These grant awards will improve access to afterschool and summer programming opportunities for students throughout Vermont. This initiative leverages local partnerships, increases staffing, expands programming, reduces waitlists, and provides additional training for staff.
The awarded centers will focus on enhancing and providing afterschool programming, summer programming, and fostering collaboration with community organizations, ultimately enriching the educational experiences of Vermont's youth.
The grant recipients include:
- The Barra School (OUTReach program)
- Essex North SU (Canaan Schools EPIC Afterschool Center)
- Milton SD (Milton Schools EPIC Afterschool Center)
- Mt. Abraham Unified SD (Expanded Learning Program)
- North Country SU (Community Schools Center)
- Orleans Southwest SU (Afterschool and Summer Enrichment programs)
- Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary (Afterschool in Nature)
- St. Johnsbury SD (Catamount Community Hours)
- Windham Central SU (afterschool programs)
- Windham Southwest SU (Wings Community Programs)
Background
The Center Track Afterschool Grant is designed to support the development and expansion of individual afterschool programs, either as new stand-alone initiatives or additions to existing centers. Award amounts can range from $50,000-$150,000 annually, depending on the proposal's scope.
The passage of Act 78 in 2023 established grant programs for the purpose of providing and expanding access to high-quality afterschool learning opportunities for all Vermont students (paid for by receipts from the sales and use tax imposed by 32 V.S.A. chapter 233 on retail sales of cannabis or cannabis products in the state). This grant is administered by the Agency of Education.
Funds for this grant are made available to public, private, and/or nonprofit organizations.
Additional details about each grant recipient follow below.
The Barra School
The Barra School, located in East Corinth, Vermont, is dedicated to supporting the diverse needs of at-risk, neurodivergent, BIPOC, and trauma-impacted LGBTQIA+ youth aged 9-18 in Orange County and other rural areas of Vermont. Through a comprehensive suite of programs, the school aims to enhance the social-emotional, mental health, academic, and wellness outcomes for these youth. The Barra School is developing an Orange county-wide OUTReach program, which will provide afterschool support for GSAs, teen centers, and afterschool programs. The school also organizes twice-monthly OUTings, offering day-long activities and events for LGBTQIA+ youth, their allies, families, and friends. These programs are designed to foster community, build resilience, and provide mentorship, all while ensuring accessibility through free participation, transportation, and provision of necessary gear and equipment. The Barra School's programming aligns with the Youth Thrive model and is supported by a team of certified staff, volunteers, and clinical support personnel, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
Essex North SU
Canaan Schools is proposing to unify its existing Afterschool and Summer Camp grant programs into a single initiative: the Canaan Schools EPIC (Empower, Prepare, Inspire, Connect) Afterschool Center. This initiative aims to streamline operations and increase participation, particularly among high school students, while supporting the development of skills and attributes outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate. The EPIC Afterschool Program will operate 100-125 days a year, offering two hours of activities each school day for students in grades K-12. It will focus on academics, enrichment, and physical and mental wellness, incorporating elements from the existing tobacco grant programs. The EPIC Canaan Summer Camp provides four weeks of interdisciplinary, project-based learning and enrichment activities for PK-8 students, developed in collaboration with state and community partners. The EPIC Adventure Camp, a two-week program for middle school and upper elementary students, emphasizes outdoor education and leadership skills in partnership with SISKIN in Newport, Vermont. Through these integrated programs, EPIC aims to empower students and foster their growth in a cohesive and supportive environment.
Milton SD
The Milton Schools EPIC Afterschool Center offers a comprehensive program designed to support students' academic, social, and emotional growth through a variety of activities. Operating 100-125 days a year, the program provides personalized academic tutoring in math and reading, utilizing evidence-based methods tailored to individual learning needs. Activities include clubs focused on creativity, physical engagement, and personal growth, such as chess, anime, STEM, art, sports, and community service projects. The program emphasizes equity and access, ensuring participation is free for all students through funding from the Afterschool Center Grant, Milton Town School District, and Title I and IV funds. Additionally, the Milton Family Community MASK childcare program offers extended care with a sliding scale fee structure, making it affordable for families, ensuring cost is never a barrier to participation. By integrating academic support, enrichment activities, and equitable access, the EPIC Afterschool Center looks to empower students and foster their development in a supportive environment.
Mt. Abraham Unified SD
MAUSD is developing a high school Expanded Learning Program (ELP) for grades 9-12. This program will provide academically rich, student-designed activities to enhance ELA, Math, Science, and community belonging, focusing on students affected by the pandemic. The ELP will offer afterschool and summer programming, including tutoring, themed workshops, and clubs, as well as morning intensive and afternoon workshops during the summer. The program emphasizes student voice, inclusive access, and professional staffing, aligning with district goals to improve academic achievement, social-emotional skills, and equity.
North Country SU
The North Country Supervisory Union (NCSU) is launching a new center through its Community Schools department to address long-standing needs in the region. This initiative focuses on academic support, youth leadership, community engagement, and student well-being, providing essential staffing, transportation, and resources for before, after, and summer programs. Key initiatives include Extended Community Schools Supports, offering centralized services such as tutoring, family resources, and transportation to enhance accessibility and wraparound support. The program also features Unified Middle and High School Programming, with youth leadership and GSA-focused retreats for middle school students and work-based learning and life skills programs for high school students, in collaboration with the North Country Career Center. Additionally, Summer Teen Camps offer up to 27 days of dynamic learning and engagement, with transportation from various locations in the Northeast Kingdom. By leveraging community partnerships, NCSU aims to create a sustainable model of extended learning that builds leadership, resilience, and academic growth, complementing existing Encore programming and expanding support to before school, middle school, and families.
Orleans Southwest SU
Orleans Southwest SU is excited to announce the launch of its Afterschool and Summer Enrichment programs, designed to provide a wide range of activities including creative enrichment, nature-based activities, and sports, with a strong focus on social-emotional learning. In partnership with the Rural Arts Collaborative and the WonderKids program, these initiatives will engage community partners such as the Center for an Agricultural Economy and Sterling College. The programs aim to address access barriers by offering transportation and year-round support for students from historically marginalized groups. Responding to community needs, the programs will provide comprehensive afterschool care, address high rates of behavioral issues at Hardwick Elementary School, and support students with low math and literacy proficiency and social-emotional learning challenges. The goals are to improve access to enriching activities, increase participation rates, and advance students' social-emotional learning. With a robust organizational capacity, leadership structure, and qualified staff, Orleans Southwest SU is committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for all students.
Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary
Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary is excited to announce the "Afterschool in Nature" program, a licensed afterschool and summer initiative for youth in grades 3 through 8 from Washington and Orange counties. This program offers a structured yet flexible, youth-led out-of-school experience, specializing in trauma-informed, nature-based enrichment. By emphasizing STEM curriculum through the lens of social-emotional learning, we aim to support academic success, mental health, and physical well-being. Our program is committed to increasing accessibility for low-income families and those historically excluded from outdoor learning by providing specialized care, scholarships, and transportation. We maintain a low student-to-staff ratio to ensure personalized care, particularly for students with unique learning or emotional needs. Our program seeks to fill these gaps by ensuring accessibility for all families, especially those historically excluded. We are seeking grant funding to sustain staffing and transportation costs, support evidence-based expansion, and pursue a Specialized Care designation. This funding will enable us to retain qualified staff, continue providing critical transportation, and expand our hours to offer care during school breaks, ensuring comprehensive support for the families we serve. Sage Mountain nurtures participant’s love for nature and personal development in a supportive, safe and engaging environment.
St. Johnsbury SD
Catamount Community Hours (CatCH) serves as the afterschool center for the St. Johnsbury School District, offering programs for grades 1-8. The center aims to expand access to elementary afterschool activities, enhance middle school offerings to support transitions, and sustain summer programming. CatCH prioritizes equitable enrollment, considering special circumstances and family needs. The program benefits from collaboration with school-day counselors, and special education professionals which provide additional support to participants. CatCH operates within the St. Johnsbury School, accommodating up to 100 elementary and 40 middle school students, and has access to off-campus resources such as the local teen center and various community venues. The center is managed by a full-time director and site coordinator, supported by a part-time assistant, ensuring smooth operations and alignment with the program's mission.
Windham Central SU
Windham Central SU will be able to offer enriching opportunities for elementary and middle school students, fostering academic, social, and emotional growth through activities such as STEAM projects, arts and crafts, outdoor games, and cultural exploration. The program collaborates with site coordinators, licensed educators, and community leaders to deliver safe, inclusive, and engaging experiences. Certified teachers and program leaders mentor students, enhancing their behavioral skills, interpersonal dynamics, and confidence, while high school leaders support program initiatives and develop their leadership potential. Key offerings include "Rebels After the Bell" for middle schoolers and "Summer Rebels," which provide themed activities, academic support, community service, and field trips to meet students' needs year-round. The elementary "L'After" program features a structured schedule with activities like homework help, outdoor games, arts and crafts, and clubs such as coding and karate. "Summer Rebels" includes on-site days with organized activities and literacy enrichment, trip days for off-campus exploration, swim days for aquatic skill development, and "Rebel Quest," focusing on career goals and college visits. By addressing diverse student and community needs, Windham Central strives to create a positive, lasting impact, equipping children with the skills and experiences needed for lifelong success.
Windham Southwest SU
Wings Community Programs is set to offer multiple summer camps and afterschool programs, eliminating family fees and providing essential transportation from smaller district towns, addressing the needs of families living up to 20 miles away. In August, Wings will implement three additional camps at Halifax, Readsboro, and Stamford Schools, smaller schools within the district, fostering student ownership and pride often overshadowed by the larger district school. The program addresses the critical need for summer and afterschool experiences that combat academic decline, support mental health, and provide daily meals, individualized special services, and a safe, enriching environment. These camps enable families to work, engage young readers, and include outdoor recreation in safe spaces with enthusiastic adults, offering special services like tutoring for students in need. Open to all grades K-8 from Wilmington, Whitingham, Readsboro, Halifax, and Stamford, including homeschool students and those attending school out of district. Wings camps ensure accessibility and enrichment for up to 432 eligible students.