Van Buren ISD’s Van Buren Youth Initiative (VBYI) recently represented Instructional Services at the Michigan State Capitol to advocate for expanded access to Out-of-School Time (OST) programming across Michigan. During Afterschool Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP), partners from across the state gathered to discuss how OST programs can be better supported, share success stories from communities throughout Michigan, and collaborate on ways to strengthen afterschool opportunities for students and families.
VBYI Coordinator Erin Kucharski met with State Representative Joey Andrews and State Representative Pauline Wendzel to discuss funding opportunities and continued support for OST programming throughout Van Buren County. Both representatives expressed strong support for VBYI’s efforts and recognized the importance of these programs in rural communities like Van Buren County.
VBISD recently secured a $1.13 million grant to support local school districts and help address the childcare gap through expanded before-school, after-school, and summer programming. As federal ARPA funding that currently supports much of the county’s middle and high school OST programming begins to phase out, VBISD is actively seeking sustainable funding sources to continue and grow these opportunities.
The Section 32n Out-of-School Time Grant through Michigan’s Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) currently supports much of the elementary OST programming across local districts. VBISD hopes to expand those funds to further support community partners and strengthen programming for students of all ages.
These programs improve attendance, strengthen literacy and math skills, support social-emotional development, and provide safe, structured environments for students while helping working families maintain employment and reduce childcare challenges.
VBISD extends its sincere thanks to Representatives Andrews and Wendzel and their teams for their time, support, and shared commitment to expanding opportunities for students and families across Van Buren County.