Last night, legislators completed the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget which included a milestone investment in OST programs. The $50 million appropriation will increase youth access to before, afterschool and summer learning opportunities. This funding is a direct result of your advocacy efforts!

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will develop a competitive grant process to distribute the funds. Nonprofits, libraries, parks and recreation departments, institutes of higher education and intermediate school districts will again be eligible to apply. MASP, with support from the National Equity Project, will collaborate with MDE on an advisory group to inform grant development, review and award. The advisory group will meet quarterly. Members of the advisory group shall include, but not necessarily limited to, community based organizations, regional intermediaries, local school district administrators, statewide OST organizations, youth, parents, representatives from business community and philanthropic community. More information will be available soon.

The budget now heads to Gov. Whitmer's desk for her signature.