2025–26 Michigan Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant Information

Investing in Youth. Strengthening Michigan.

Michigan is making a historic investment in youth opportunity with $75 million in state funding available for before-school, after-school, and summer learning programs through the 2025–26 Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant.

The Intent to Apply is now open for organizations preparing to submit an application once the full RFP is released.

Intent to Apply

About the Grant

Administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), this funding was established under Public Act 15 of 2025, Section 32n to expand access to safe, high-quality learning environments beyond the school day.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Community-based organizations (501c3)

  • Local governments

  • Public libraries

  • Intermediate school districts (ISDs)

  • Institutions of higher education

Programs must serve K–12 youth and offer enriching opportunities such as mentoring, STEM, arts, leadership, wellness, and career exploration. Funding supports before-school, after-school, or summer programming designed to help youth learn, lead, and thrive.

MiLEAP has released an official 2025–26 Out-of-School Time Grant Information document, which provides complete details about the funding process, including:

  • Eligibility requirements for community-based organizations, libraries, local governments, and education partners

  • Program expectations for before-school, after-school, and summer learning opportunities for K–12 youth

  • Legislative priorities for grant review and scoring

  • Application timelines and peer review structure

This document serves as the official roadmap for preparing your organization to apply.

2025-26 Out-of-School time Grant Information

Get the support you need to apply confidently

MASP and MiLEAP are committed to ensuring every eligible organization feels confident navigating the 2025–26 Out-of-School Time Grant process. Below are upcoming sessions designed to help you understand the grant, access technical systems, and strengthen your application.

2025–26 OST Grant Orientation Webinar

Learn the essentials of the 2025–26 Michigan Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant. This orientation session, hosted by MiLEAP, walks participants through the grant’s purpose, eligibility requirements, application priorities, and key deadlines. It’s designed to help organizations understand what’s new in Section 32n funding and how to prepare a strong proposal once the RFP is released.

Best for: Community-based organizations, libraries, ISDs, and local governments preparing to apply for OST funding.

Register for one of the following sessions:

  • Monday, October 13 — 10:00 a.m.

  • Tuesday, October 14 — 1:30 p.m.

  • Thursday, October 16 — 10:00 a.m.

Register Here

Technical Assistance Session: GEMS Access & Grant Information

This hands-on session provides guidance on accessing and navigating the Grant Electronic Management System (GEMS) — the platform used to submit grant applications. MiLEAP staff will walk attendees through account setup, submission steps, and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth start.

Best for: Organizations new to MiLEAP’s grant portal or completing the grant for the first time.

Register for one of the following sessions:

  • Monday, October 13 — 1:30 p.m.

  • Tuesday, October 14 — 10:00 a.m.

  • Wednesday, October 15 — 1:30 p.m.

  • Thursday, October 16 — 1:30 p.m.

Register Here

MASP Grant Writing Assistance (Coming Soon)

MASP will host additional grant writing support sessions to help organizations strengthen their proposals, align with funding priorities, and highlight youth impact stories.

Details on these sessions — including dates and registration links — will be announced soon. Stay tuned to MASP’s newsletter and social channels for updates.

Stay Connected

MASP is here to help providers across Michigan navigate the grant process.

Together, we can ensure every young person in Michigan has access to spaces that foster belonging, creativity, and growth.