Van Buren ISD awarded $1.9 million to continue and expand out-of-school-time programming
Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD) has been awarded $1,916,850 through Michigan’s 2026-27 Section 32n Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant to continue and expand before-school, after-school, and summer learning opportunities for students throughout Van Buren County. The award by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), represents an important milestone in the continued development of Van Buren County’s OST initiative, formally referred to as the Van Buren Youth Initiative. It builds upon work that began in 2023 and was made possible, in large part, through an initial investment of $931,250 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from Van Buren County in April 2024.
Through its statewide OST grant program, MiLEAP invests in before-school, after-school, and summer learning opportunities that help students develop academically, socially, and personally while providing families with access to safe, supportive environments beyond the traditional school day.
From local investment to statewide recognition
VBISD’s OST initiative began in 2023 with the formation of a countywide steering committee focused on creating additional opportunities for youth in the areas of arts, music, and mental health. Following the county’s ARPA investment in 2024, VBISD hired Erin Kucharski as the Van Buren Youth Initiative Coordinator, established community partnerships, and began implementing programming with local schools and organizations. Programs officially launched in October 2024, initially focusing on arts and music enrichment for middle and high school students. As the initiative grew, additional community partners joined, and opportunities expanded to serve more students and age groups. The initial county investment provided more than temporary program funding. It helped establish the partnerships, coordination, administrative infrastructure, and experience necessary to develop a countywide model and pursue additional state funding.