Media Contact:
Maureen Alley, communications director
608-513-3962
malley@wisconsinyouthcompany.org
Wisconsin Youth Company Receives Community Impact Grant for Advocacy Position
Position will raise awareness for out-of-school time industry
Madison, Wisconsin (Tuesday, January 9, 2024) — Wisconsin Youth Company is proud to be chosen by Madison Community Foundation for its Community Impact Grant to support an Out-of-School Time Advocacy Position. This new position will raise awareness and support for the out-of-school time industry which impacts working families and businesses in Wisconsin.
The advocacy position will work in close partnership with the Madison Out-of-School Time coalition, and other partner organizations across the state to build a grassroots network of OST providers. It will empower the OST industry to expand advocacy efforts, building on the foundation established in 2023.
“We are grateful to Madison Community Foundation for recognizing the value of out-of-school time programs in our state, and supporting the mission to provide safe, quality care for children and families,” says Rebecca Carlin, executive director, Wisconsin Youth Company. “OST funding receives wide-spread bipartisan support, with statewide funding models in states as diverse as Oregon, Colorado, Georgia, Missouri, and Florida. We see the potential for long-term funding support.”
“Out-of-school-time learning is critical to the success of young people. This initiative will organize and advocate for greater support and investment in the hundreds of programs across Dane County that engage students,” says Tom Linfield, vice president, community impact, Madison Community Foundation. “The Madison Community Foundation strives to ensure equitable and affordable access to a rich variety of educational programming and we have high hopes in the Wisconsin Youth Company’s efforts. We are proud to be part of this exciting initiative.”
Nathan Beck, Madison Out-of-School Time Coalition coordinator, City of Madison, adds that when OST providers and supporters focus on advocacy, the industry sees results. “This grant is going to help us build the right conditions statewide to continue getting those kinds of wins; thousands of young people are going to benefit.”
This dedicated position will connect with OST providers and leaders across the state of Wisconsin, visit youth educators, collaborate with community organizations, and lay the foundation for grassroots statewide advocacy.
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About Madison Out-of-School Time
Madison Out-of-School Time is a collaboration between the City of Madison, Dane County, Madison Metropolitan School District, and more than 45 Madison-area youth-serving organizations. It ensures all of Madison’s children and youth have access to comprehensive, high-quality, out-of-school time programs that support positive youth development, educational achievement, and readiness for college, career, and community.
About Wisconsin Youth Company
Wisconsin Youth Company is a 501c3 non-profit organization operating since 1974. Wisconsin Youth Company provides high-quality out-of-school time programming throughout Dane and Waukesha Counties. Programs include before and after school, 4K wrap, summer camps, Middle School U, Wander Wisconsin, and non-school days and break programs. Wisconsin Youth Company operates Elver Park and Theresa Terrace Neighborhood Centers offering residents equitable access to resources. Wisconsin Youth Company’s mission is to engage youth in opportunities to encourage them to be their best selves. Wisconsin Youth Company — where kids thrive beyond the school day!
