After‑school, summer and youth workforce programs seek base funding to expand access

Nonprofit providers and program directors urged the Appropriations Committees to preserve and expand investments in after‑school, summer and youth workforce programs.

Nicole Miller of Vermont After School asked the committees to support the governor's proposal to fully fund the After School and Summer Special Fund, arguing that consistent participation in after‑school programs yields long‑term benefits for youth. "We do not yet have enough after school and summer programs available for every child or youth who wants to attend," Miller said.

Jamie Danzerow, director of after‑school and summer programming for the West River Education District, described community dependence on such programs for supervision, safety and social‑emotional supports and urged sustained state investment.

Mentor Vermont requested an increase in state mentoring funding from $650,000 to $1,300,000 to expand mentoring capacity statewide; Chad (last name not specified in transcript) said mentoring promotes school engagement and mental health outcomes and is a cost‑effective prevention tool.

Speakers also requested $2,500,000 in base funding for the Serve, Learn, Earn collaborative, a youth workforce initiative that includes the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Audubon Vermont and Vermont Works for Women. Witnesses described workforce pathways created by these programs and gave examples of participants who transitioned to jobs in conservation, construction and local employers.

Why it matters: Witnesses said after‑school and workforce programs provide supervision, prevent risky behavior, support academic and social outcomes, and create career pathways that help retain young people in the state.

Committee members did not vote; testimony will feed into FY26 budget negotiations.