Zoie Saunders, Secretary | Vermont Agency of Education
Ten Vermont afterschool programs have been selected to receive Center Track State Afterschool Grants, enhancing opportunities for students through community collaborations. The initiative involves two community organizations and eight supervisory unions and school districts, with funding aimed at expanding afterschool and summer programs to improve educational experiences for Vermont's youth.
The recipients of the grants 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), and Windham Southwest SU (Wings Community Programs).
The Center Track Afterschool Grant supports the development and expansion of individual afterschool programs, providing annual awards ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. The grant program, established under Act 78 in 2023, is funded by sales taxes on cannabis retail sales in Vermont and administered by the Agency of Education. Funds are provided to public, private, and nonprofit organizations, facilitating access to high-quality afterschool learning.
Each recipient has specific programming focused on distinct needs. The Barra School aims to support the needs of at-risk and marginalized youth, emphasizing social-emotional and mental health outcomes. Essex North SU is set to unify their programs, creating the EPIC Afterschool Center to support student growth in academics and extracurricular activities. Milton SD focuses on academic support, equity, and access.
Mt. Abraham Unified SD offers the Expanded Learning Program (ELP) for high school students with a focus on inclusive access. North Country SU is launching a new center emphasizing academic support and community engagement. Orleans Southwest SU's programs include creative enrichment and a partnership with the Rural Arts Collaborative and WonderKids program.
Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary introduces an "Afterschool in Nature" program, emphasizing nature-based enrichment for youth. St. Johnsbury SD’s Catamount Community Hours offers equitable access to elementary and middle school programs. Windham Central SU and Windham Southwest SU both offer extensive summer camp and afterschool programs, fostering a supportive educational environment for their communities.
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