Pennsylvania has opened applications for $11.5 million in funding for youth programs focused on after-school activities, mentoring and other services intended to keep young people safe and engaged.
State Sen. Nick Miller announced the opening of applications for the 2026-27 Building Opportunities Through Out-of-School Time initiative, known as BOOST. The program’s official announcement describes the funding as support for programs serving school-age youth considered at risk.
Eligible activities can include after-school and summer programs, mentoring and other supervised opportunities outside regular school hours. The funding may cover personnel, supplies, equipment, training, contractor services and other program expenses.
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Egrants system by 11:59 p.m. on December 10, 2026, according to Miller’s announcement.
The funding opportunity is limited to eligible statewide youth-serving nonprofit organizations. Applicants should review the official program requirements before applying to confirm their eligibility and which expenses the grant can cover.
Miller, a Democrat representing Lehigh and Northampton counties, said the initiative is intended to give young people access to safe environments, positive role models and activities that can help them succeed.
The program also has a public-safety dimension. Supporters argue that structured activities and adult mentorship can help prevent youth violence by connecting young people with constructive opportunities outside the classroom.
But the funding also raises a practical question for taxpayers: whether the grants will produce measurable results for the young people they are designed to serve. The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on the quality of participating programs, the communities they reach and how the state evaluates their outcomes.
For organizations already running youth programs, the application window offers a chance to seek support for staffing and services. For the state, the next step is ensuring the money reaches eligible providers and supports activities that deliver tangible benefits.
The $11.5 million allocation creates an opportunity to expand youth services across Pennsylvania, but the value of the investment will ultimately be measured by what the funded programs accomplish.
