The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with the New York Life Foundation, is excited to announce the Aim High Grant Program, a significant Afterschool Care Reward Program designed to empower out-of-school time initiatives. This program offers vital financial support to afterschool and summer learning programs dedicated to preparing middle school students for future success. If you’re seeking resources to bolster your afterschool care and create impactful reward programs for your students, the Aim High Grant is your opportunity.
Why Middle School Afterschool Programs are Key Rewards for Future Success
Research consistently highlights middle school as a critical juncture in a student’s academic journey. Effective afterschool programs act as invaluable reward systems, enriching a student’s educational experience beyond the traditional school day. These programs are not just about academics; they are about fostering holistic development. By nurturing cognitive, social, and emotional growth, afterschool care reward programs help middle schoolers smoothly transition to high school and lay a strong foundation for college and future careers. The New York Life Foundation recognizes this pivotal stage and strategically invests in initiatives like Aim High to ensure middle school students thrive.
The Aim High Grant: Your Afterschool Care Reward Opportunity
The Aim High Grant program stands out as a competitive afterschool care reward program, offering both one-year and two-year funding tracks. Your organization can choose the grant that best aligns with your program’s goals. All grants are designed to commence in August 2025, offering a timely boost for your upcoming program year.
One-Year Reward Grants
Fifteen one-year general operating grants, each worth $20,000, are available. These afterschool care reward grants will be awarded to programs that demonstrate proven success in engaging students and can showcase impactful results. This year, the one-year grants offer flexibility, without a specific thematic focus, allowing you to use the funds where your program needs them most to reward your students and staff and enhance your offerings.
Two-Year Reward Grants
For programs seeking more sustained support, fifteen two-year grants, each totaling $100,000, are also on offer. These larger afterschool care reward grants are specifically targeted at middle school programs working to combat school absences and chronic absenteeism. Recognizing the profound impact of attendance on educational success, these grants are designed to reward and support initiatives that improve student engagement and consistent participation in learning.
Is Your Program Eligible for this Afterschool Care Reward?
To be eligible for this valuable afterschool care reward program, organizations must meet specific criteria:
- 501(c)(3) Status: Applicants must be registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You will need to provide your Employer Identification Number (EIN) during the application process.
- Focus on Middle School Youth: The Aim High Grant is specifically for programs serving students in grades 6, 7, and 8. While your organization may serve a broader age range, grant funds must be directed towards middle school participants.
- Serving Low-Income Communities: A core mission of this afterschool care reward program is to support underserved communities. Therefore, applicant programs must serve a student population where at least 75% of youth qualify as low-income, defined as eligibility for the Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program (FRPL).
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about how this afterschool care reward program can benefit your organization! Join the livestream on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 2 p.m. EST to gain insights into the Aim High grant process and discover best practices for submitting a compelling application.
The deadline to apply for this afterschool care reward is March 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. Take the first step towards securing funding and enhancing your afterschool program today.
Explore the success stories of past recipients to see the impact of this afterschool care reward program and envision the possibilities for your own program.
