Grantees

An afterschool program in Randolph, VT

Friday Night Group is Outright Vermont’s (ORVT’s) signature social-support program—meeting every Friday in Burlington since 1989! Today, groups in Burlington, Montpelier, Morrisville, and Brattleboro offer a drop-in space that celebrates who LGBTQ+ youth are. Groups enable youth to be themselves, connect with peers about shared joys and challenges, and engage with LGBTQ+-identified adults who model healthy behaviors and ensure that group is safe and supportive. Youth choose topics and lead conversations, while facilitators uphold youth generated rules that govern group, provide support, and referrals. ORVT established a strategic priority to increase access for rural LGBTQ+ youth; Friday night group can expand statewide!

Finding Our Stride (FOS) has been addressing the mental and physical health of VT and NH youth for 12 years, reaching over 3,000 kids, grades K-8, with free and accessible after school running programs. In 2021, through careful evaluation, FOS confirmed its meaningful impact on the fitness and social emotional growth of participants (more data below). In 2022, through a board-led strategic plan, FOS committed to growing its regional impact. In spring of 2023, due to a high level of interest, FOS will expand from 10 to 15 VT sites. FOS is in conversation with ten additional VT sites for 2024 and 2025.

Finding Our Stride (FOS) is a FREE, donor-funded, high quality, enriched after-school running program in the states of VT and NH for elementary and middle school aged children. Since 2011, FOS has boosted fitness, self-esteem, and resilience in more than 4,000 runners while connecting them to peers, mentors, and their communities. We are now in 20 VT schools, have created a social-emotional learning curriculum with the Positivity Project, and support children by providing them with impactful relationships with trusted mentors and increased awareness of their own character strengths. VT children can thrive when they know they are strong, competent, and supported.

Youth ages 6-18 from low income families will build self-esteem and increase social competencies by learning to make positive choices, learn about nutrition and increase physical activity during an eight week day camp.

Friends For Change is a grassroots community program built for and by youth in June of 2016. In partnership with their local substance abuse prevention coalition, they've built a program that specifically addresses the unique needs of their often overlooked community members. Their entire program is rooted in identifying and responding to the needs of marginalized and most impacted youth and families. They provide after-school and summer programming where youth and their families thrive and learn how to build a stronger community.

Full STEAM Ahead Bennington will deliver 3 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activity kits to youth (4th-5th grade). Area youth struggle with academic achievement compared to Vermont peers. The STEAM kits will encourage learning beyond school with activities designed for best-practice science and art experiences. Students will learn something, build something, and create art. Participants will gain transferable skills via engaging learning experiences. Materials will be developed in collaboration with local businesses and community organizations. The kits will be complemented by live/video programming led by diverse local professionals who will coach the youth through the activities and serve as career inspiration.