Weekly Media Roundup: April 29, 2026

Chassell Township Schools Creates New After-School Program, Upper Michigan Source (Michigan)

Thanks to funding from the Keweenaw Health Foundation, Chassell Township Schools in Laurium, Michigan will now offer an afterschool program called the Creative Claws Club, focused on hands-on, creative activities. The new program will enable students to explore various artistic mediums while developing skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. “Creative opportunities play a vital role in healthy child development,” Keweenaw Health Foundation Executive Director Jenn Jenich-Laplander told Upper Michigan Source. “We’re proud to support Chassell Township Schools as they invest in experiences that nurture creativity, connection, and long-term well-being.”

Vermont Schools Reimbursed Following Federal Funding Freeze, WCAX (Vermont)

More than $11 million in federal education funding has been returned to Vermont school districts to support afterschool programs, summer programs and school renovations. The funding, part of the American Rescue Plan Act, was to be allocated to the school districts in March 2025 but was withheld by the Trump administration. “At a time when so many of our school districts are suffering and struggling economically, this is an important step forward,” U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders told WCAX.

North Hills After School Program in Upper Dublin Faces Possible Closure Amid Funding Debate, Fox 29 (Pennsylvania)

This week, parents, students and community members urged Pennsylvania’s Upper Dublin School Board to continue funding the North Hills Community Center’s afterschool program. The program provides hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities, homework assistance, snacks and outdoor activities for students in kindergarten through sixth grade and relies on the school board’s support. Nicole Dowell, whose granddaughter attends the program, told Fox 29 that she appreciates the homework help the program provides, and her granddaughter values the friendships she has made. “She looks forward to it every day and she gets very disappointed when I pick her up early because I'm taking her away from her friends,” Dowell said.

Kenai Home to Pair of Alaska Afterschool Superheroes, Peninsula Clarion (Alaska)

This month, the Alaska Afterschool Network recognized five outstanding afterschool professionals as 2026 Alaska Afterschool Superheroes, including two out-of-school time leaders in the Kenai Peninsula. Michele Hayman, chief operating officer for the Boys & Girls Club of the Kenai Peninsula, earned praise from her colleagues for going above and beyond to support students’ families who are struggling to make ends meet. Lucas Thoning, site coordinator and academic coach with CHILL Time Razdolna School and Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula, was recognized for his ability to spark students’ interests and infuse joy into education. “What truly makes Lucas extraordinary is his playful spirit and genuine love for what he does,” Project GRAD’s Hayley Norris told the Peninsula Clarion. “Whether he is leading a hands-on activity or sharing his famous Russian dance, Lucas brings energy, humor, and heart into every interaction.”