Gov. Evers Announces $50 Million to Support Kids’ Learning Opportunities, Mental Health

GREEN BAY — Gov. Tony Evers today announced $50 million in “Beyond the Classroom” grants to support learning opportunities and mental health programs for Wisconsin school-aged kids. The “Beyond the Classroom” grants will provide funding of up to $500,000 per non-profit organization. Up to $25 million will be available for programming during the summer months of 2021 and an additional $25 million will be available in the 2021-2022 school year and the following summer months.

“What’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state, and that’s why investing in learning opportunities and our kids’ mental health and well-being is so important,” said Gov. Evers. “Community and educational organizations have worked around the clock this past year to support our kids and make sure they have the resources they need to be safe and successful. These grants will be critically important so we can bounce back from this pandemic as these organizations continue working to help kids and families across our state.”

“Beyond the Classroom” grants will be awarded to non-profit organizations that serve school-age kids both virtually and in-person outside of school and during the summer months. Eligible activities will be finalized after federal guidance is released for ARPA funds, but will likely include activities such as helping prepare high school students for post-secondary education or employment or supporting the mental health needs of school-age kids.

“Organizations across our state are playing a critical role in supporting the educational and emotional well-being of our kids,” said Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan. “Non-profit organizations that provide educational, programming, and mental health supports for Wisconsin children provided a connection and a sense of normalcy for many families throughout the pandemic. Governor Evers has stepped up time and time again over the past year to help make sure kids in Wisconsin have access to the tools, resources, and supports they need.”

“Beyond the Classroom” grants will be funded through Wisconsin’s allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and will be administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration. Gov. Evers has allocated $2.5 billion from the roughly $3.2 billion the state anticipates receiving in American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist in the state’s recovery and restore economic well-being. States continue to await federal guidance before being able to provide complete program details or open applications.

Organizations interested in learning more about the “Beyond the Classroom” grants can sign up here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.