Colorado Nonprofits OST Grant

Overview

High-quality out-of-school time programs provide academic enrichment in reading, language arts, mathematics, and science, and provide programs and services that are designed to reinforce and complement school-based academic programs in a safe and healthy environment for students. It necessary to support high-quality out-of-school time programs as an investment in the academic enrichment and well-being of the children of Colorado.

The Colorado Nonprofits Out-of-School Time grant program, authorized by HB 24-1331, seeks to provide funds to eligible entities that provide out-of-school time programs that are affordable and comprehensive to students who are enrolled in a public school.

Out-of-School Time programs are available to students who are enrolled in a public school in kindergarten through twelfth grade and provide affordable and comprehensive academic enrichment and related services during times when school is not in session, including before school, after school, seasonal breaks, staff in-service days, staff conference days, or the fifth day of the week if the program serves students who are enrolled in a public school that operates on a four-day week. Funded Out-of-School Time programs must be evidence-informed and high-quality, and must provide:

academic enrichment,
opportunities for development in literacy, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other subject matters for students and families,
a safe learning environment and resources to increase student engagement in school and reduce chronic absenteeism,
programs and services that provide a well-rounded education and are designed to reinforce and complement school-based academic programs, including youth development activities, art, music, outdoor programs, recreational programs, technology education programs, physical health activities, and social and emotional wellness services, and
opportunities to develop meaningful workforce readiness and life skills.

Grant Applications

The competitive grant competition for Colorado Nonprofits Out-of-School Time grant program will open in Fall 2024. Application materials will be posted when the grant competition opens, and applications will be submitted via CDE’s GAINS.

To be eligible to receive a grant, an entity:

must be a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation pursuant to section 501 (c)(3) of the federal "internal revenue code of 1986", as amended, and
have at least five years’ experience providing affordable and comprehensive academic enrichment and related services to students in the state.

Eligible applicants may, but are not required to, have a partnership with a school district in which the entity will provide affordable and comprehensive academic enrichment and related services to students.

Statewide Collaborative Partner Engagement

Throughout August and September 2024, CDE is gathering feedback from collaborative partners across the state to develop the new Colorado Nonprofits Out-of-School Time Grant Program. Anyone interested in providing their input on the development of this grant may participate in a scheduled focus group hosted by CDE. Registration is required to participate, so click on the links below to sign up for a date and time to attend a virtual focus group:

Questions?

Anna Young, Out-of-School Time Manager
Young_a@cde.state.co.us | 720-614-8666