Grantees

HatchSpace, a woodworking school and community workshop, will expand our Youth Design+Build programs to year round by continuing to offer our six weeks of summer youth camps and by offering at least two after school sessions in the fall and spring terms. These 7 programs will be offered in collaboration with strategic nonprofit community partners and local schools in Windham County. Grant funding will enable us to expand in the 2026/2027 year to offer new after school programs in fall and spring while continuing our summer camps, and then sustain this level of programming in 2028 and 2029. At least 50 young people ranging from entering 7th graders to high school seniors will participate in these programs during the grant period.

NEYT is a non-profit theatre serving students ages 6-19, year-round. In 2019 NEYT piloted its Leader-In-Training (LIT) program, giving participants training as well as opportunities for teaching and leadership. Under the guidance of the Education Director, LITs work alongside directors and teachers, embedded in the programs that serve our younger students. In addition to gaining skills in teaching, leadership, communication, and organization, LITs build deep relationships with each other, younger students, and staff, while strengthening our entire NEYT community. LITs are selected through an application and interview process. Each LIT receives a stipend and a certificate of leadership training upon completion of the program.

The Town School Theatre program currently offers free afterschool arts education to at least 50 students from local public elementary schools. Students from these schools are provided with transportation to NEYT, where they rehearse, and ultimately perform a play. NEYT staff coordinates efforts with principals, guidance counselors, and support professionals to understand students’ behavior plans and personal life circumstances. The program was piloted with Brattleboro’s three elementary schools in 2015 as a means of developing important life skills to help students succeed in both educational and social settings. For the upcoming three year grant period, NEYT will expand the program to include 50 more students from three more area schools.

Expland their licensed early care and learning program for the infants and toddlers of young mothers in Families Learning Together from eight to sixteen in Fall 2010. They week funds to purchase the basic equipment needed for this expansion.

Good Beginnings parent/caregiver circles bring families together to support each other in the unique-but-shared experience of parenting an infant. Anyone caring for an infant is welcome. Each circle is a welcoming, judgment-free space where new parents and caregivers can speak openly and honestly about the challenges and triumphs of the parenting experience, gain support, and build community. Weekend and weekday options help connect new moms and dads alike to a network of peer support that can make the difference during the first few months. Each circle is facilitated by a local parent with support from Good Beginnings staff. Food, drink, and age-appropriate children’s activities and/or child care are provided.

To assist in their expansion plans of the preschool.

The Teen Center is a nonprofit located in Middlebury, VT. Our mission is to offer space, programming and resources that support teen development and well-being. We offer after school drop-in, enrichment programs, and summer camp to youth ages 12-18. All programs are free or pay-what-you-can. With this grant, we will create an internship program for youth ages 14-18 who staff identify as 'at-risk' in terms of high school completion and/or employability. Accepted youth will be offered a paid internship which will blend job training, social-emotional learning, and academic support. We will work with them to identify strengths and areas for improvement in a supportive environment, and help them set and achieve academic and employment goals.

To support the continued development and enhancement of hands-on, open-ended exploraions for 3-6 year olds at Quarry Hill School.