Vt. grants coming to expand summer programs for youth
Federal relief money is fueling an expansion of summer programming for youth in Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Funding is on the way to expand summer programs for youth in Vermont, as the state continues its effort to help kids reconnect with their communities and recover from the impact of the pandemic.
In partnership with the nonprofit Vermont Afterschool, the Agency of Education is organizing the $1.5 million grant program for those camps and organizations not connected with a school, so they can be a part of the overall state effort to enhance these summer experiences. More details will be rolled out in the coming weeks, including eligibility requirements. A strong emphasis is being placed on applications that make the programs more affordable for students and families, according to Heather Bouchey, Vermont’s deputy secretary of education.
“We want all children and youth to participate in something great this summer, no matter their age, their family background or financial resources, their primary language, geographic location, ability status, or specific interests,” Bouchey said at the state’s Friday press briefing.
The state and Vermont Afterschool have launched a “Summer Matters” web page, summer opportunities are listed and kids can look for summer jobs. The site also has a state map showing where participating summer programs are located. A few areas in the state don’t have many local opportunities, and the state is reaching out to those communities to help change that.
To make this statewide effort possible, the Agency of Education is also collaborating with the state departments of health, mental health, vocational rehabilitation, and fish and wildlife, as well as educators and practitioners in the field. The grants are backed by federal COVID-19 relief funding, and all types of nonprofit organizations, community collaboratives and school-community programs will be able to apply.
The state is encouraging local school districts and organizations to collaborate on this effort.
“We know that everyone is tired and certainly needs a rest after navigating this year, but this summer also presents a critical, critical, opportunity for us to further assist students and their families in healing and well-being,” Bouchey said.
Speaking on Friday, Gov. Phil Scott said this is not only a great opportunity for students, but also a chance for communities to get creative.
“Working together, we can have a huge impact and help our kids in so many ways,” Scott said.
The U.S. has tripled federal funding for after-school and summer programs over the next three years, thanks to the recent federal COVID relief bill. On Friday, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, of Vermont, highlighted the importance of that funding and the state’s efforts, as he spoke at the briefing by video.
“It is absolutely essential that we do everything we possibly can to support Vermont students in the coming months and years as we recover from these challenges, and that work must start this summer,” Sanders said.
— Gareth Henderson
