Sixty-seven local after-school programs will receive a boost in funding this year as three United Way organizations in Central Massachusetts have been awarded a combined $1.08 million in state funding.
The United Ways of Central Massachusetts, North Central Massachusetts, and South Central Massachusetts will use funding provided through the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support K-12 after-school and out-of-school initiatives focused on areas including STEM, arts apprenticeships, refugee support, and leadership development, according to a Monday press release from UWCM.
“Through strategic partnerships and targeted investments, we are shaping a future where every child has the ability to flourish,” Tim Garvin, UWCM president and CEO, said in the release. “Youth opportunity is the foundation of community resilience and long-term economic strength.”
UWCM itself will disperse $615,600 to 33 local programs, including ArtsWorcester’s Future Arts Workers initiative and Worcester Refugee Assistance Project.
Future Arts Workers provinces academic year-long paid internship to high schoolers interested careers in art administration and Worcester Refugee Assistance Project provides mentoring, advocacy, and educational assistance to local refugees and resettled migrants, according to both programs’ websites.
Additionally, United Way of North Central Massachusetts and United Way of South Central Massachusetts will use the remaining funds to support 23 and 11 programs, respectively.
“Too often, after-school programming is overlooked as ‘extra,’ when in fact it is essential,” Echo Lahey, UWCM director of special projects and initiatives, said in the release. “This funding ensures that young people, especially those who have faced learning loss, social isolation, or systemic barriers, have access to safe, enriching opportunities that prepare them not just to succeed in school, but to thrive in life.”
In 2023, UWCM generated $9.98 million in revenue while in 2024, UWNCM generated $3.5 million, and UWSCM generated $1.03 million, according to the most recent figures provided by nonprofit financial tracker GuideStar.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
