November 05, 2026
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) today announced $135 million in Out-of-School Time (OST) Learning Grants Program funding to expand access to high-quality before-school, after-school and summer learning opportunities for children and youth across Michigan. The investment will support programs that provide meaningful enrichment beyond the traditional school day, giving young people opportunities to learn, explore their interests and develop new skills while helping families access safe, dependable care during out-of-school hours.
“Learning does not stop when the school day ends,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive director of MiLEAP. “Out-of-School Time programs give children and youth opportunities to discover new interests, build skills and form meaningful connections in safe, supportive environments. This investment helps more communities deliver those experiences and gives families greater access to the reliable support they need to help their children learn, grow and thrive.”
Through the 2026-27 grant cycle, MiLEAP awarded 343 subawards supporting 1,171 program sites across Michigan, including 98 new subawards. The awards will support programs in 73 of Michigan 83 counties, up from 68 counties in the previous grant cycle.
“Every young person deserves access to afterschool and summer experiences where they feel a sense of belonging, explore their interests and build skills for the future,” said Erin Skene-Pratt, executive director of the Michigan Afterschool Partnership. “These grants will help programs across Michigan expand those opportunities while supporting working families. We’re proud to partner with MiLEAP and providers across the state as we work toward afterschool for all.”
“Behind every one of these awards is an organization working to make a difference in the lives of children and families,” said Rawlan Lillard II, deputy director of MiLEAP’s Office of Education Partnerships. “These organizations bring deep knowledge of their communities, strong local partnerships and a commitment to showing up for the families they serve. This funding recognizes the value of that work and helps sustain the organizations that make out-of-school time programming possible across Michigan.”
OST programs offer a wide range of activities that support young people’s learning and development, including mentoring, leadership development, physical activity, visual and performing arts, literacy and science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
The following sub-awardees are receiving funding to support 10 or more program sites:
|
Funded Awardees |
# of Sites Funded |
Subaward Amount |
|
State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs |
137 |
$14,171,860 |
|
Macomb Intermediate School District |
55 |
$1,693,590 |
|
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan |
49 |
$8,132,000 |
|
Sound Mind Sound Body Foundation |
40 |
$7,494,220 |
|
Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency |
31 |
$1,353,600 |
|
Washtenaw Intermediate School District |
21 |
$1,725,540 |
|
LAHC-Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities |
20 |
$4,449,290 |
|
Detroit Police Athletic League, Inc. |
19 |
$3,258,340 |
|
Van Buren Intermediate School District |
16 |
$1,916,850 |
|
Royal Priesthood Ministries Full Life Center |
12 |
$2,576,120 |
|
The Flint Center for Educational Excellence |
12 |
$1,609,160 |
|
Youth Empowerment Services Inc. (YES, Inc.) |
12 |
$2,626,300 |
|
City of Kentwood |
11 |
$639,650 |
|
Greater Midland Community Centers Inc |
11 |
$1,145,200 |
|
New Life in Christ Ministries D.G.G. |
11 |
$1,760,000 |
|
Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians |
11 |
$863,090 |
|
Umoja Debate Team |
11 |
$302,820 |
|
Black Male Educators Alliance |
10 |
$504,000 |
|
Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation |
10 |
$660,490 |
|
Kent School Services Network |
10 |
$734,400 |
|
Muskegon Area Intermediate School District |
10 |
$1,135,830 |
The full list of sub-awardees can be viewed on the Out-of-School Time Program website.
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About Michigan's Out-of-School Time and Summer Learning Initative
Michigan's Out-of-School Time and Summer Learning initiative invests state and federal funds to expand access to high-quality before-school, after-school and summer learning programs. Since 2001, more than 600,000 Michigan students have participated in these programs offering enrichment in STEM, arts, literacy mentoring and more. Funding for the Out-of-School Time Grants Program is made possible through the State School Aid Act, Section 32n.
About MiLEAP:
Established by Gov. Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP ensures every Michigander has a path to prosperity from birth to earning a postsecondary credential that leads to high-wage careers. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.
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