Oswego YMCA Awarded $4.4 Million in NYS LEAPS Funding
Funding will enhance YMCA Before and After School Age Child Care Programs
The Oswego YMCA’s School Age Child Care (SACC) program has been awarded $4.4 million in multi-year funding through the New York State Learning, Enrichment After-School Program (LEAPS) initiative. This funding, granted by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), will allow the YMCA to expand and enrich its after-school services, providing more children in Oswego County with access to high-quality care and educational support.
LEAPS-funded programs are designed to offer comprehensive after-school services that include academic support and enrichment opportunities. Research has shown that participation in such programs leads to improved school attendance, academic achievement, better work habits, and higher graduation rates. In addition, children in these programs develop essential social skills, build confidence, learn critical thinking, and form stronger relationships with peers.
“This generous grant from NYS LEAPS is a catalyst for change for our School Age Child Care programs,” said Cheryl Baldwin, Executive Director of the Oswego YMCA. “With these funds and the support of district superintendents, we will be able to significantly enhance the learning and enrichment opportunities we offer, ensuring that more children in our community have a safe and supportive environment to thrive academically and socially.”
Starting this fall, the LEAPS funding will enable the Oswego YMCA to expand its Learning and Enrichment After-School Child Care services to four locations within the Oswego City and Mexico Central School Districts. These locations include Kingsford Park, Riley, and Frederick Leighton Elementary Schools in the Oswego City School District, and Mexico Elementary in the Mexico Central School District. Additionally, the YMCA will introduce new SACC services at Minetto Elementary in Oswego and Sandy Creek Elementary located in the Sandy Creek School District, further extending its reach to serve more families in Oswego County.
The Learning and Enrichment After-School Age Child Care programs offered by the Oswego YMCA provide a vital resource for working parents, offering a nurturing environment where children can grow and learn during the critical hours after school. The grant will be used to expand academic support providing additional tutoring and homework assistance and to offer activities focused on STEM, arts, and wellness fostering creativity, critical thinking, and healthy lifestyles. For families in need, this funding will provide financial assistance to families in need, ensuring all children have access to quality after-school care. For more information or to register, contact the Oswego YMCA at 315-342-6082