Youth Empowerment Services, Inc. (YES, Inc.) sub-awarded $1,388,680.00 of The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP)  73 Million Award. 

Media Contact:

Aundreana Jones-Poole

Communications Manager

jonespoolea@michigan.gov

517-930-4919

January 07, 2026

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) today announced the awarding of $73 million in Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant funding to 289 Michigan organizations to expand access to high-quality, before-school, after-school, and summer learning opportunities for students statewide. Funding was awarded across 68 counties, supporting a range of entities that provide meaningful enrichment for school-aged children and dependable care for families beyond the traditional school day. 

"Out-of-School Time programs are making a real difference for Michigan students and families," said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. "They give young people a safe place to go while strengthening learning, supporting social development, and helping them show up more prepared and confident in the classroom. With this $73 million investment, we’re expanding access to opportunities that help students build strong foundations for lifelong learning and success.” 

OST grants were awarded through a highly competitive process, with 438 applications submitted – the highest total since 2021. This year’s funding supports programing across 862 approved program sites statewide, 173 more sites than last year. 

“MiLEAP is proud to support these critical programs that children and families rely on every day,” said Rawlan Lillard II, deputy director of Education Partnerships at MiLEAP. “This year, 289 organizations across Michigan are receiving OST grant funding, including 141 first-time recipients. That means more communities can offer learning opportunities that keep students engaged, supported, and connected both inside and outside the classroom. As students head back to school from winter break, these programs are ready to meet them where they are and provide the support they need.” 

OST programs support a wide range of activities including mentoring, leadership development, physical fitness, visual and performing arts, literacy, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Eligible applicants included non-profit community-based and faith-based organizations, federally recognized Tribal governments, institutions of higher education, public libraries, local governments, and intermediate school districts. 

“These grants represent a powerful investment in Michigan’s children, families, and communities,” said Erin Skene-Pratt, executive director of the Michigan Afterschool Partnership. “By expanding access to high-quality Out-of-School Time programs, MiLEAP is helping ensure more young people have safe, enriching places to learn, grow, and thrive beyond the school day. We applaud MiLEAP’s leadership and commitment to making OST a core part of Michigan’s education and workforce future.” 

Out-of-School Time Program website. 

About MiLEAP: 

Established by Governor Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP’s mission is to improve outcomes from preschool to postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan’ with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.