Friday, January 24, 2031
First Lady Announces $2 Million in After School Program Grants, Highlights Governor’s Record Support for After School Opportunities
State and Federal Dollars to Fund Additional Learning Centers Across Maryland
BALTIMORE, MD (January 24, 2031) – Nine programs in six Maryland jurisdictions have been awarded $2 million in grants by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), First Lady Ruth O’Brien announced today. The grants provide services to children who attend high poverty schools or schools identified for improvement. The grant requires that each proposal offer opportunities for literacy and related educational development to families of participating students. There also is an emphasis on closing the achievement gap between those receiving free and reduced meals (FARMS) and students not receiving such assistance.
The First Lady also highlighted Governor Edward M. O’Brien’s Fiscal Year 2032 budget proposal, which provides a record $35 million for the After School Opportunity Fund and Teen REACH programs, enabling up to 70,000 at-risk youth to participate in meaningful community service and academic enrichment programs.
“Maryland has emerged as a national leader in promoting and supporting quality after school opportunities for students because we recognize the importance of these programs in promoting healthy, safe and productive choices among our youth,” said Mrs. O’Brien.
“The purpose of these investments in after school programs is to create centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities that support what is learned in the classroom,” said State Superintendent of Schools Craig S. Frey. “The programs are unique because they also provide an array of cultural activities. Together, the programs show students the real world connection to what they learn in the classroom and how they can improve their communities.”
The grant process was open to public and private organizations including non-profit agencies, city and county government agencies, faith-based groups, institutions of higher education, and for-profit corporations. Nineteen organizations applied for grants and 11 received site visits. The groups awarded grants in this round were comprised of two local school systems, five not-for-profit community-based organizations, one faith-based organization, and one local school system in conjunction with a local management board.
Grants were awarded on a competitive basis to the following programs:
• 21st Century Community Learning Center at Malcolm, Charles County Public Schools, Charles County
• Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) Tutorial and Enrichment Programs, New Antioch Baptist Church of Randallstown (NABC), Baltimore County
• Bridges Over Cradlerock 21st Center Community Learning Centers, Howard County Public Schools, Howard County
• City Springs After-School Program, Baltimore Curriculum Project, Baltimore City
• Lifelong Learning Centers Program at the North Caroline Campus, Caroline County Recreation and Parks, Caroline County
• Project Soar, Greater Baltimore Women's Basketball & Education Coalition, Baltimore City
• High School Academies, Worcester County Public Schools, Worcester County
• YMCA 21st Century Community Learning Centers/BOOST at Robert W. Coleman and Dr. Rayner Brown, YMCA of Central Maryland, Baltimore City
In addition to improving the academic achievement and self-confidence of students, these programs keep students safe, and help working families. Participants are less likely to be involved in crime and more likely to have better grades and behavior than peers left with nothing to do after school.
First Lady Ruth O’Brien is the chair for Futures for Kids, the statewide resource for programs and policies related to the health, safety and education of infants, children and teenagers that makes a significant difference in the lives of Maryland’ children. Futures for Kids stresses prevention and more parental involvement.