New York Life Foundation Awards Grants to Out-of-school Time Programs to Help Middle School Students Transition to 9th Grade
The New York Life Foundation in partnership with the Afterschool Alliance today announced $1.35 million in new grants, to be awarded to 26 youth development organizations across the country to support middle school youth during the out-of-school time (OST) hours. Twenty-six OST programs won new grants, and 16 organizations received continuing grants first announced in 2018. These programs serve underserved youth in 18 states. The grants mark the third year of awards made under the Foundation’s Aim High education initiative, and this year’s grants bring the total awarded under the program to $3.45 million. Aim High is a highly competitive program. This year, 470 applications were received for 26 awards.
Aim High is part of the New York Life Foundation’s ongoing investment in OST programs to help underserved 8th graders reach the 9th grade on time and prepared for high school. Afterschool, summer and expanded learning programs nationwide are selected for grants through a review process run in collaboration with the Afterschool Alliance. Winners were selected based on the strength of their support for youth in transition to ninth grade – specifically around such indicators of success as on-time graduation, school attendance rates, improved behavior, grades and test scores – by a committee comprised of individuals from the New York Life Foundation and youth development specialists whose organizations are members of the Afterschool Alliance. Grant recipients will use funds for technical assistance, enhancing direct service activities, program expansion, and professional development.
Ten of the new grants will help programs provide professional development for OST staff. Professional development is a critical component of high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs, enhancing program quality both by improving staff practice and knowledge and improving student learning outcomes...