BOOST Grants are available to support the academic and personal growth of Georgia’s students using a whole child approach. These grants aim to enhance learning acceleration, well-being, and connectedness through afterschool and summer enrichment programs. The Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN), in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education, is offering this funding opportunity based on the successful outcomes of the previous BOOST program.
The purpose of BOOST Grants is to deliver evidence-based programming that helps students build essential academic skills while also addressing non-academic barriers. Programs are expected to provide academic acceleration, youth development services, and opportunities for enrichment, including exposure to new technologies.
The program places special emphasis on reaching students who face the most challenges. This includes youth receiving free or reduced-price lunch, those with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness or in foster care, English language learners, youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and those who are chronically absent. Programs in counties without existing state-funded learning centers will also receive priority.
The grant program will distribute $11.5 million in total funding for a one-year term beginning October 1, 2025, and ending July 31, 2026. A second year of funding may be available depending on state budget appropriations and program performance.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, universities, municipalities, and faith-based groups, as long as services are accessible to all public school students in grades K-12 across Georgia. Applicants must have operated for at least two years and be registered as nonprofits with the Georgia Secretary of State.
Minimum program requirements include offering at least two hours of afterschool programming three days per week for 20 weeks during the school year or four hours per day for four weeks during the summer. At least 25% of participants must be eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
All proposals must include academic learning acceleration and at least two additional focus areas such as enrichment activities, physical wellness, or emotional support. The BOOST Grant supports a well-rounded framework to help Georgia students thrive in and out of the classroom.
For more information, visit GSAN.
