Above & Beyond the Classroom used grant funding from the Idaho Out-of-School Network to open a new center in Tetonia Elementary School for the 2022-23 school year. “As a resort community, our valley continues to grow and displace working families,” said Anna Wells, Executive Director of Above & Beyond the Classroom. “We aim to support

The Idaho Out-of-School Network awarded Summer of Innovation Grants to support youth and families with summer learning and care opportunities across the state. The Summer of Innovation Grant is intended to address unfinished learning and improve the quality of out-of-school time (OST) opportunities across Idaho for youth in grades K-12. The grant is dedicated to

UpRiver Panthers is an after-school program serving the rural communities of Fernwood, Santa, and Emida that used grant funds from the Idaho Out-of-School Network to provide academic support and enrichment experiences for youth.   “The funds had a huge impact!” said Jane Emery, Director of the UpRiver Panthers. “Homework completion became the norm rather than

Money granted by the Idaho Out-of-School Network made a big impact at Rigby Rockets Camp. An Idaho Out-of-School Network grant provided supplies for students to design and build several electric devices, including flashlights, mini robots, model airplanes, and telescopes.   With over 70 participants, the funds allowed use of a Think Make Create Labs trailer

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, the last full week of April each year, is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. “An estimated 850,000 professionals work with children and youth during out-of-school hours providing enriching experiences,” according to the National Afterschool Association.   The Idaho Out-of-School

Hundreds of middle schoolers in Emmett accessed after-school classes and camps because of grant funding that expanded afterschool programming available in their community. The Idaho Out-of-School Network funds took Emmett Middle School’s program from 36 students per day to 299 students served, according to Shannon Anderson, Emmett School District’s Before and After School Director. “We

It all started with a community garden. Josie Erskine, the owner of the Peaceful Belly Community Garden, had been doing farm education for over 18 years when she decided to seek funding to make a formal program. The farm already has a beautiful facility with a commercial kitchen and meeting space used as a restaurant

The American Falls School District’s after school program Fired Up makes afterschool time safe and fun for students and worry-free for parents. “Parents feel they can send their kids here for help, especially with Covid learning loss,” said Fired Up Director Hutch Swan. “We have parents who work late, parents who work the fields for

Harwood After-School Program in Rigby, Idaho, provides a safe place for youth to go to after-school. “Many of our kids were going home to an empty house,” said Harwood Elementary After-School Coordinator Dawn Green. “The most valuable thing for the kids in the after-school program is the fact that they have a safe place to

Horseshoe Bend School District expanded its free afterschool programming in its rural community with grant funds provided by the Idaho Out-of-School Network. The school district has developed a variety of classes and camps offered to its community at no cost. Offered primarily on Fridays, afterschool, and during school breaks, course topics range from literacy, STEM,