Funding opportunity for teen after-school drop-in services

To provide critical support to Bellevue middle- and high-school age youth, the city is making $86,000 available for proposals for after-school drop-in services. Applications and other required documents, including supplemental instructions, are at Human Services Funding. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m., Monday, April 15. 

Proposals should address how the agency will provide consistent, free drop-in services for youths every day of the week, including after school and in the summer.

The city’s Human Services Commission will review the proposals and provide funding recommendations to Parks & Community Services Department leadership.

Need

School-age children and youth spend 80% of their waking hours outside of school, and one in five young people in the U.S. are alone after school ends. High-quality afterschool programs promote positive youth development and offer a safe space where youth can explore their potential. Effective afterschool programs provide learning settings that bring a wide range of benefits to youth, families, and communities.

After-school programs can support social, emotional, cognitive and academic development, reduce youth exposure to risk, promote physical health and provide a safe and supportive environment for children and youth. According to Youth.gov, after-school programs also provide a significant return on investment, with every $1 invested saving at least $3 through increasing earning potential, improving educational outcomes and reducing the odds of future criminal justice system involvement.

For more information, please contact Ruth Blaw at rblaw@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-4185.