Welcome to the Missouri Afterschool Enrichment Grant program!
This initiative is designed to improve afterschool programs through focused funding opportunities that enhance quality and create meaningful experiences for students. STEMfinity is proud to be a part of this program, helping to support initiatives that can transform your afterschool offerings.
The Missouri AfterSchool Network (MASN) works with partners to support and maintain high-quality afterschool programs throughout Missouri. MASN has received funding from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to offer "enhancement grants" to afterschool programs for the 2024-25 school year.
Eligible Entities
Afterschool program providers including, but not limited to:
- Community-based organizations (CBOs) such as YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, other 501c3
organizations, etc. - Faith-based organizations offering a non-religious afterschool program
- School districts and institutions of higher education operating afterschool programs
- Local government entities such as parks and recreation, housing authorities, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the grants?
To increase access to afterschool enrichment programs that help students most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for the purpose of addressing the social, motional, health and wellbeing needs of youth. This opportunity will help to eliminate barriers to afterschool program access based on geography, socio-economic factors, demographics, and the impact of COVID-19, along with increasing access to afterschool programs for children and youth with disabilities and other traditionally marginalized populations.
What can the funds be used for?
Afterschool programs may apply for funds to address students social, emotional, academic, mental health and wellness, physical, or other needs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs receiving support will identify how their program provides services to children and youth disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including one or more of the following target populations:
- Students from low-income families
- Children with disabilities
- English language learners
- Migratory students
- Students experiencing homelessness
- Children and youth in foster care
- Other (i.e., youth involved in the criminal justice system, minority students, students who have missed the most in-person instruction or students who did not consistently participate in remote instruction, etc.)
How long will the funding be available?
Athough the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding ends in September 2024, Missouri has applied for a waiver to expend remaining funds that were allocated prior to the deadline. As a result, programs receiving Afterschool Enrichment Grants through this funding opportunity will have a limited timeframe to submit their invoices in order to receive funding. Programs must submit invoices by 5/31/25 to be eligible for payment. Failure to submit invoices by the deadline may result in forfeiture of funds.
