News of funding comes at an especially opportune time for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties as the economic recession continues to impact communities.

December 28, 2011 The Boys & Girls Clubs Ruth Livingston Branch received $3,000 as a Quality Enhancement grant from Schools Out Washington. Among 10 programs throughout the state to be awarded the grant, the Boys & Girls Clubs will use the funds to enhance its afterschool program and continue to provide high-quality programming to local youth ages 5-12.

The Quality Enhancement Grant project, an annual funding opportunity administered by Schools Out Washington, is designed to improve the quality of Washington’s States afterschool programs for school age children ages 5-12, particularly those from low income families, communities of color and those with special needs.

“Through funding provided by the Quality Enhancement Grant project the Club will enhance our Art programming, giving our members the opportunity to use and expand their creativity” said Brandy Fortney Vice President of Operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties she went on to say “our mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as responsible, caring and productive citizens; exploring their gifts and talents does just that and it also enriches their lives and in turn our community”

This year, School’s Out received over one hundred applications from all across the state. A great need exists for funding to support afterschool programs, especially as we face tough economic times and comminutes struggle to find funding to support afterschool programming.

“Many of the afterschool programs that apply for funding are small, barebones operations that with a $3,000 grant can implement a new project or enhance service4s that make a huge impact on the children and youth in a community” explains Danielle Baer with Schools Out Washington. “We prioritize afterschool programs make a huge difference in supporting school and life success. These programs are not only for kids, but also supporting working families who feel at ease knowing their kids are well taken care of when the school bell rings.

Funding for the Quality Enhancement grant is provided by the Washington State Department of Early Learning.