MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced the distribution of $49.5 million to over 100 out-of-school and childcare providers across the state through the Beyond the Classroom grant program and a $500,000 grant for technical assistance. Beyond the Classroom grants were provided to eligible nonprofit organizations providing virtual and in-person programming for school-aged children to help increase enrollment capacity, provide additional learning opportunities, or increase mental health support for school-age children during the 2021-2022 school year and summer months of 2021 and 2022. Initially announced earlier this year, grants of up to $2.8 million were released Aug. 12 to 115 out-of-school providers and nonprofit organizations around the state, with an additional $500,000 grant for technical assistance.
“Our kids have had a difficult year, and we know that in order for our state to continue to bounce back from this pandemic, we have to make sure we’re getting our kids the extra support they need,” said Gov. Evers. “This past year, out-of-school providers across the state adapted to ensure our kids had safe and supportive places to go while also contending with increased capacity and mental health challenges. I’ve always said what’s best for kids is what’s best for our state, and today’s grants will help ensure our families and kids can thrive beyond the classroom.”
The Beyond the Classroom grants provide funding of up to $1.5 million per non-profit organization for the 2021 summer and up to $1.5 million for the school year and summer of 2022 combined.
The Beyond the Classroom Technical Assistance Grant provides funding of up to $500,000 to an organization that provides technical assistance to out-of-school organizations that provide learning opportunities and mental health support for school-aged kids.
Applications for the two programs opened on June 18 and closed July 8.
“Getting funds into the hands of nonprofit childcare providers that have been hard hit by the pandemic is a priority so we can continue to bounce back,” said Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Joel Brennan. “I am grateful to Governor Evers for prioritizing Wisconsin’s kids with this vital grant program.”
The announcement continues the governor’s efforts to support learning opportunities and mental health needs of school-aged children across the state.
Beyond the Classroom grants were funded by ARPA and administered by the DOA. The DOA will work with grant beneficiaries to ensure a smooth roll-out and support for the upcoming school year and beyond.
Gov. Evers also announced $8 million in grants for summer camps as part of a $140 million tourism industry allocation of ARPA funding. Additional details regarding how to apply for summer camp grants will be released by the DOA in the weeks to come.
Additional information is available on the Beyond the Classroom Grant program website.
