After$chool Funding: Full-Service Community Schools

Welcome to our series on funding and sustainability for afterschool and summer learning programs! We will be sharing information about top funding streams and how to access them every Friday during this campaign. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to make sure you get regular updates.

The Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) Program helps schools provide a comprehensive range of services to children and families. These services include family engagement, mentoring, youth development programs, job training, career counseling, and mental health services. These services can be offered before school, during the school day, after school, or throughout the summer months.

While FSCS funds cannot directly support afterschool programs, afterschool and summer activities are essential components of community schools. The FSCS grant focuses on improving the accessibility, coordination, and effectiveness of all services offered through community schools, particularly for students in rural and high-poverty areas. 

Types of Grants:
FSCS offers various grants designed to support different aspects of community schools. These include grants for capacity building and development, multi-location educational agency grants, and state scaling grants. FSCS grantees deliver a range of academic, social, and health services tailored to meet the unique needs of students, their families, and the community. Services typically align with the core components of community schools and encompass:

1. Integrated Student Supports:
   These include essential services like social, health, nutrition, and mental health support, as well as programs focused on crime prevention and rehabilitation.

2. Expanded Learning Opportunities:
   This area covers early childhood education, out-of-school time programs, and initiatives that facilitate smoother transitions for students, alongside activities that promote readiness for postsecondary education and careers.

3. Family and Community Engagement:
   Programs in this category aim to actively involve families and communities, offering support systems for student success.

4. Collaborative Leadership:
   Each community school customizes its services based on local needs, ensuring that the initiatives are relevant and effective in promoting educational outcomes.

Quick facts about FSCS:

• Who controls the money: The U.S. Department of Education

• Who is eligible: Local education agencies, nonprofits, public or private organizations, and institutions of higher education working to expand community schools.

• How to apply: Applicants can apply online at the U.S. Department of Education’s website, with grants usually available on an annual basis.

• How much is a typical grant: In 2023, recipients received grants ranging from approximately $2.5 million to $50 million depending on whether the project was focused locally or statewide.

• How long is the grant: 5 years

The partnership between the Family League of Baltimore and the YMCA of Central Maryland is a prime example of how FSCS funding can support afterschool. The Family League, which received FSCS grant funding, collaborates with the YMCA to integrate support services in community schools located in neighborhoods of extreme poverty. The on-site Y’s Community Schools Director and/or Coordinator works closely with school principals, families, and other stakeholders to provide essential resources, including food, clothing, and school supplies, which help remove barriers to learning. By integrating these services within the school environment, the YMCA aims to create a supportive atmosphere where students can thrive academically and personally.

Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s web page on FSCS to learn more about the Full-Service Community Schools Program. To learn more about funding streams available to help you sustain your out-of-school time program, check out our new sustainability page!