The Georgia Department of Education and Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN) are expanding the Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time (BOOST) grant program, which supports afterschool and summer learning opportunities across Georgia.

This expansion is made possible by a new $5 million private investment from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, reflecting the foundation’s foresight and responsiveness in recognizing the opportunity to build on the state’s commitment to expanding access for Georgia’s children and families and the BOOST program’s demonstrated impact. That investment is supplemented by an additional $2.5 million in the amended FY26 state budget. Together, these investments help to address the growing need for out-of-school time opportunities across Georgia.

The funding will allow GaDOE and GSAN to increase support for community-based and statewide organizations providing afterschool and summer enrichment programming.

“This investment in BOOST reflects the essential role afterschool and summer learning programs play for Georgia students and families,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “These programs help students stay engaged, build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and access opportunities they may not otherwise have. I’m grateful to Governor Kemp and the General Assembly for providing state funding for BOOST beginning in 2025, for our deep partnership with GSAN which makes this program possible, and to the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation for expanding opportunities for even more students through this innovative public-private partnership.”

BOOST grants support programs designed to expand learning opportunities, address nonacademic barriers to learning, and support the whole child. GaDOE partners with GSAN — a public-private collaborative and division of Voices for Georgia's Children dedicated to advancing, connecting, and supporting quality afterschool programs in Georgia — to administer the grants statewide.

Originally launched using American Rescue Plan funding, the program faced the end of its federal funding stream in 2024. In response, Georgia replaced the expiring federal investment with $12.5 million in state dollars to continue supporting afterschool and summer learning opportunities statewide.

“BOOST continues to be a powerful investment, providing youth opportunities to thrive, supporting Georgia’s working families, and strengthening our out-of-school time workforce,” said Katie Landes, Director of Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network. “The BOOST funding supports 62 organizations with program sites across 101 counties serving nearly 50,000 youth. We are grateful for the trust that the Whitehead Foundation and GADOE have placed in GSAN to lead this vital mission and its expansion to more programs, communities, and youth.”

Out-of-school time programs play a critical role in supporting academic growth and student wellbeing in Georgia communities. Through BOOST funding, grantees have expanded access to enrichment opportunities, strengthened program quality, improved student attendance and behavioral outcomes, and increased family engagement.

Even with expanded funding, demand for high-quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities continues to exceed available resources in many Georgia communities. GaDOE and GSAN remain committed to seeking additional opportunities to expand the scope, footprint, and impact of BOOST and serve more students and families across Georgia.

Stories of Impact

Previous BOOST grants have had a direct impact on educational outcomes for students throughout the state. Click here for two stories of impact from BOOST grantees.