After a very busy summer and difficult budget constraints, the Partnering for Youth After School Program (PFY) announces the fall 2010 plan for Queen Anne’s County children in grades 3-8.  In July, a three-year, $398,000 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant was awarded for after school programs at Sudlersville Elementary and Sudlersville Middle schools. Adequate funding has been identified for modified after school programs this fall in five additional schools (Centreville, Matapeake and Stevensville Middle Schools plus Church Hill and Grasonville Elementary Schools) and September may bring more good news. Another three-year grant request submitted by PFY in July, if awarded, will provide adequate funding at Bayside, Kennard and Matapeake Elementary Schools as well as Centreville, Matapeake and Stevensville Middle Schools for spring programs. PFY also understands the Board of Education is seeking interim activity options from other organizations this fall at Bayside, Kennard and Matapeake Elementary Schools. “We plan to bring the three elementary schools back under the PFY umbrella by spring 2011 when, and if, the second grant is awarded in late September,” said Kim Umberger, PFY Program Director.  And she added, “Partnering for Youth is dedicated to safely engaging all Queen Anne’s County children in a quality after school program. It’s all about QAC children and families. When PFY faces budget constraints, it makes sense for other organizations to offer activities.”

While a lack of funding has forced some difficult decisions regarding fall programming at the three elementary schools this fall, PFY’s guiding vision to ensure all school-age children of Queen Anne’s County have access to high quality, affordable, and educational after school opportunities provides focus. “We will continue to explore every funding opportunity to sustain this proven 15 year program. Partnering for Youth staff, along with the Board of
Education, the Local Management Board and the Foundation for Community Partnerships will do everything possible to sustain this great county asset,” Umberger said. After school programs build safer & more positive after school environments, strengthen attachment to school & community, improve academic success, enhance physical fitness & personal well being and heighten family investment through involvement.

If you or someone you know is interested in working with children after school this fall, please call or email PFY Program Coordinator, Tammy Shay, right away at 410-758-4365 or shayt@qacps.k12.md.us.