MD4CS

An important program aligned to Maryland's Community School Strategy will continue this year. Hopefully, we can grow it more in the future!

A major step forward: in the budget, Maryland’s Senate and House leaders MORE THAN DOUBLED the Gov.’s funding for the Community Schools Rental Assistance Program (from $5 million to $11 million).

These funds will help nearly 2,500 families with children in community schools
avoid eviction. We know kids can’t learn if they've been sleeping in a homeless shelter, or have to constantly change schools.

Thank you Senator Bill Ferguson, Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Senator Guy Guzzone, Chair Barnes, Senator Jim Rosapepe, Delegate Anne Kaiser, Senator Cory McCray, Delegate Emily Shetty, Senator Shelly Hettleman, and Delegate Vaughn Stewart for supporting our youth by increasing this much-needed funding!

Spring into Action - so many resources - explore them all https://mailchi.mp/mdoutofschooltime/the-national-afterschool-associations-2026-convention-mott-million-dollar-challenge-and-more-6260876

Powerful message at Maryland Center for Community Schools Conference from Dr. Michael Martirano, Superintendent of Allegany County Public Schools. The slide says it all.

If you want to see the Community School Rental Assitance Program (CSRAP) get additional funding - please join this event to elevate the need!

Join us next Tuesday, March 10th in Annapolis to call on the Maryland General Assembly to support the Stable Homes, Strong Communities Agenda!

We’re more than half way through the legislative session, and Marylanders need action on housing justice now! RSVP – link in comments.

Take Action Today

https://mailchi.mp/mdoutofschooltime/we-love-community-schools-day-211-recap See our Recap of We Love Community Schools Day in Annapolis on 2/11 and take action to share the ways you LOVE your Community Schools,

We had an amazing day in Annapolis this morning for Day. A full recap and pictures are coming very soon. Special thanks to Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins for supporting the event and our sponsor, Baltimore's Promise. We Love Community Schools Every Day and watch this space as we show our love for the rest of the week!

Get all the updates and take action!

Don't miss our next IEL Virtual Check-In: Policy Updates from December 2025/January 2026, Jan 22 at 2:00 PM ET:

The new year has brought with it a number of policy changes. Join us for an IEL Check-In Call to learn more about what’s been happening in Washington throughout December and into January. During our call, members of the IEL team will provide updates on the following:

- Federal Appropriations
- Full-Service Community Schools Grant Continuations
- Updates to Health and Human Services Policies
- U.S. Department of Education Interagency Agreements;
And More!

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JoarPg5TSpK6GyQtV6QS2g #/registration

Community School Coordinators - do you have youth leaders at your schools looking for an opportunity to bring one of their ideas to life? Pefect Opportunity:

📣 Youth Grant Opportunity Now Open! 📣

The Maryland Youth Advisory Council (MYAC), in partnership with the Governor’s Office for Children, is excited to announce that FY26 MYAC Youth Grant Applications are now open 🎉

This opportunity supports youth-led projects that strengthen communities, promote civic engagement, and create positive change across Maryland.

🗓 Application Window: December 19 – January 29
👥 Who Can Apply: Youth and youth-led groups with innovative ideas and a commitment to community impact

💡 Focus: Empowering young people to turn ideas into action

🔗 Apply here:
https://lnkd.in/eV9ZEygv

Please help us spread the word to youth leaders, educators, and community partners who support youth voice and leadership.

As someone who understands the vital role afterschool and summer programs play in the lives of young people, families, and communities, we want to hear from you!
In just 15 minutes, feel free to take the survey so that you can share what's really happening in your program—the successes, the challenges, and what you need to help keep kids inspired, safe, and supported.

Congratulations to Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Maryland’s new Speaker of the House. We look forward to partnering with you to champion equity-centered policies that strengthen education, youth development, and community supports across our state.

Maryland is heading into the 2026 session with a projected $1.4B budget gap in FY27 and structural deficits rising toward $4B by 2030–31. Maryland Matters+2Maryland Matters+2
When state leaders start looking for “savings,” equity-focused investments like community schools, OST, and STEM/CS enrichment are often on the chopping block first—especially in Black, Latino, and low-income communities.
MOST is pushing for a budget conversation that protects:
A dedicated OST line item
Funding for community schools & afterschool STEM/CS
Transparent data on where Blueprint dollars really land
👉 Stay ready to testify & take action: mostnetwork.org → Policy & Advocacy.