Lincoln, NE - This year, Beyond School Bells (BSB), Nebraska's statewide afterschool network and a program of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, will provide over $300,000 through its Catalyst Funding project to afterschool and summer programs across the state. Catalyst funds will support these programs in strengthening high-quality learning experiences, building sustainability, and expanding opportunities that reflect youth interests while helping them develop essential life skills. Selected programs will also contribute to a growing statewide learning community by sharing effective practices and helping inform stronger policies for expanded learning across Nebraska. 

"Afterschool and summer programs are too often left out of conversations about educational improvement and workforce development," said Dr. Alison O'Toole, Vice President of Beyond School Bells. "This funding is an investment in changing that - helping these programs become essential community infrastructure for the outcomes Nebraska has prioritized for its young people."

This year's contracted programs are pursuing one of two impact pathways: Literacy, which helps youth build reading identity and a lifelong love of books, or the Workforce Exploration, which connects young people to career exploration, durable skills, and real-world opportunities.

Beyond funding, sites will receive coaching, professional development, and the chance to join a statewide learning community — building partnerships with schools, libraries, employers, and postsecondary institutions to sustain these opportunities for the future.

The nine-month grant period runs from September 2026 through May 2027, with funded programs also participating in BSB's statewide Advocacy Day in early 2027 to help elevate youth voice and the impact of expanded learning opportunities.

Catalyst Funding awardees include:

• Chadron Public Schools Afterschool Program: workforce exploration
• Cardinal Community Learning Centers (Crete): workforce exploration
• Tiger Kids Club (East Butler): workforce exploration
• Aspire For Greatness (Fremont Aspire): workforce exploration
• Eagle Connect (Milford Before & After School Program): workforce exploration
• Aftershock (Norfolk Public Schools — Middle School): workforce exploration
• Beatrice Learning After School Time (BLAST): literacy
• Kearney Community Learning Center: literacy
• Warrior Academy (Schuyler Community Schools): literacy
• Scottsbluff Public Schools Afterschool Program: literacy
• Project Washkon (Walthill Public School): literacy
• West Lawn Elementary School (Grand Island): literacy
• York Afterschool Program: literacy

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About Beyond School Bells 

Beyond School Bells is Nebraska's statewide network for afterschool and summer learning, a program of the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. BSB works to expand access to high-quality expanded learning opportunities that help Nebraska youth thrive academically, socially, and in their future careers. For more information about Beyond School Bells, visit www.BeyondSchoolBells.org.

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