Sen. Martinez and Governor Hochul Announce Millions in Funding for Local After-school Programs

West Islip Youth Enrichment Services, Inc. has been awarded $3 million in grant funding as part of New York State’s Learning and Enrichment After-School Program Supports (LEAPS) initiative, which supports new or ongoing after-school programs for children in high-need areas, Sen. Monica R. Martinez and Governor Kathy Hochul announced.  The grants, which account for more than a third of the $8.92 million allocated to the Long Island region, will provide critical after-school services to students in the Bay Shore, Brentwood and Central Islip Union Free School Districts.  The Central Islip program will receive $1 million, Bay Shore will be allocated $1.1 million, and Brentwood will receive $900,000. These funds will support educational enrichment and social-emotional development for local students, helping them reach their full potential both in and out of the classroom.

“After-school programs give students a space to keep growing, explore their interests, and connect with others outside the classroom,” said Sen. Martinez.  “These investments ensure children in our community have the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.  I’m thankful to West Islip Youth Enrichment Services, Inc. for its ongoing commitment to providing every child in its care with opportunities to succeed, and to Governor Hochul for helping make this funding possible to achieve that purpose.”

The LEAPS initiative, administered by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Division of Child Care Services, aims to support community-based after-school programs that offer academic enrichment, social-emotional wellness services, and mentorship opportunities.  These programs are designed to help students meet academic and personal goals while also addressing the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  By providing safe and supportive environments after school, LEAPS helps students build confidence, improve relationships, and develop critical life skills that will serve them in the future.

Programs eligible for LEAPS grants must be licensed or seeking to become licensed as school-age childcare providers and serve children in high-need school districts.  Funding amounts are based on the licensed capacity of each program, with grants covering critical programming and operational costs.