$5 Mil for VA OST and More Your April VPOST News!

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Subject: $5 Mil for VA OST and More Your April VPOST News!

$5 Million for Virginia OST, Proposed in State Budget

We are thrilled to share that the proposed compromise budget includes $5 million for out-of-school time programs! Thank you to everyone who reached out to their legislators and advocated for this important initiative. Since 2022, we have successfully advocated for $9 million toward these programs. This new funding is going to help expand access to out-of-school time programs and help existing programs continue. The budget will now go to Governor Youngkin who can sign the budget as is, make line-item amendments, or veto the budget. We will keep you updated! Thank you again for taking the time to respond to our action alerts and letting legislators know how important these programs are for our communities.

Update on Federal Budget Proposal for Afterschool Funding

This week the Biden administration released its annual budget request. For the 2025 budget, $1.3 billion for afterschool and summer programs funded through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) has been requested. This is level with the not yet finalized FY 2024 funding level and level with FY 2023. Please note that the president’s budget request is a proposal, and that Congress alone is responsible for appropriating federal funds.

The lack of a proposed increase for 21^st CCLC comes with unmet demand higher than ever and increasing program costs. Afterschool supporters will continue making the case for increased afterschool and summer learning support as part of Congress’ FY 2025 spending bills. Read Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant’s response to the budget request.

VPOST is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 22-26, to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours.

Join us by sharing your shoutout of a colleague or afterschool professional in your life here and we will feature them in our communications!

Share your Shoutout!

Here are some other ideas on how you to show your appreciation:

o Use the hashtag #HeartOfAfterschool to declare the difference Afterschool professionals make in the lives of young people.

o Give a hand-written card from you and/or your child to the afterschool professionals you know.

o Send an email to an afterschool professional's supervisor describing why that person is appreciated.

o Make healthy or non-food treats for the staff at your afterschool program.

For more resources and information, check out www.heartofafterschool.com.

Seed Grant for Richmond-Area Program

The purpose of this grant request for proposals is to allocate funding to community partners and organizations for the purpose of enhancing and expanding programs at the Mary and Frances Youth Center (MFYC).

TYPES OF PROGRAMS:

Youth Workshops or Classes
Community Service Projects
Sports-Based Program
Mentorship Program
Technology and STEM Initiatives
Youth Educator Training and Professional Development
Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management
Family Engagement Programs

Find more information on this RFP here.

Submit your RFP application here.

Please email the MFYC Executive Director, Misti Mueller, at Muellermr@vcu.edu with any questions specific to this grant opportunity.

Free Training on Guiding Interns

Connect/Focus/Grow is a NEW collaboration between Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) and Mentor Virginia. Mentor Virginia will facilitate mentorship training for employees/supervisors engaging in mentoring initiatives or interested in getting involved with mentoring programs supported by their organization. Students and interns interested in professional development opportunities may also participate in the mentorship training.

Virtual Training Dates, 1.5 hours

Tuesday March 12 10:00 am
Tuesday March 19 10:00 am
Wednesday March 20 10:00 am
Tuesday April 2 10:00 am
Wednesday April 3 10:00 am
Thursday April 4 10:00 am
Tuesday April 16 10:00 am
Wednesday April 17 10:00 am
Thursday April 18 10:00 am

Register here for virtual seminars. In-person trainings are also available. For more information, contact your regional V-TOP coordinator.

NAA Guide to Equitable Communication

NAA’s latest resource is the Out-of-School Time Leader’s Guide to Equitable Communications. This guide provides out-of-school time organizations with direction for using language and images in a way that is inclusive and equitable. Recognizing the power of language and visuals, this guide empowers out-of-school programs to embrace diversity and inclusion through thoughtful communication choices, fostering safe spaces for all youth and employees. Get the guide here.

April 22-26 is Rev your Bev Week!

Rev Your Bev Week is on its way across Virginia! Register now to receive a week’s worth of hydration-happy lesson plans for younger children and activities for April 22-26. Visit https://www.revyourbev.com/ for more details on how you can bring the wonders of water to your classroom.

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Subject: $5 Mil for VA OST and More Your April VPOST News!