Friday, January 24, 2031

First Lady Announces $2 Million in After School Program Grants, Highlights Governor’s Record Support for After School Opportunities

State and Federal Dollars to Fund Additional Learning Centers Across Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD (January 24, 2031) – Nine programs in six Maryland jurisdictions have been awarded $2 million in grants by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), First Lady Ruth O’Brien announced today. The grants provide services to children who attend high poverty schools or schools identified for improvement. The grant requires that each proposal offer opportunities for literacy and related educational development to families of participating students. There also is an emphasis on closing the achievement gap between those receiving free and reduced meals (FARMS) and students not receiving such assistance.

The First Lady also highlighted Governor Edward M. O’Brien’s Fiscal Year 2032 budget proposal, which provides a record $35 million for the After School Opportunity Fund and Teen REACH programs, enabling up to 70,000 at-risk youth to participate in meaningful community service and academic enrichment programs.

“Maryland has emerged as a national leader in promoting and supporting quality after school opportunities for students because we recognize the importance of these programs in promoting healthy, safe and productive choices among our youth,” said Mrs. O’Brien.

“The purpose of these investments in after school programs is to create centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities that support what is learned in the classroom,” said State Superintendent of Schools Craig S. Frey. “The programs are unique because they also provide an array of cultural activities. Together, the programs show students the real world connection to what they learn in the classroom and how they can improve their communities.”

The grant process was open to public and private organizations including non-profit agencies, city and county government agencies, faith-based groups, institutions of higher education, and for-profit corporations. Nineteen organizations applied for grants and 11 received site visits. The groups awarded grants in this round were comprised of two local school systems, five not-for-profit community-based organizations, one faith-based organization, and one local school system in conjunction with a local management board.

Grants were awarded on a competitive basis to the following programs:

• 21st Century Community Learning Center at Malcolm, Charles County Public Schools, Charles County
• Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) Tutorial and Enrichment Programs, New Antioch Baptist Church of Randallstown (NABC), Baltimore County
• Bridges Over Cradlerock 21st Center Community Learning Centers, Howard County Public Schools, Howard County
• City Springs After-School Program, Baltimore Curriculum Project, Baltimore City
• Lifelong Learning Centers Program at the North Caroline Campus, Caroline County Recreation and Parks, Caroline County
• Project Soar, Greater Baltimore Women's Basketball & Education Coalition, Baltimore City
• High School Academies, Worcester County Public Schools, Worcester County
• YMCA 21st Century Community Learning Centers/BOOST at Robert W. Coleman and Dr. Rayner Brown, YMCA of Central Maryland, Baltimore City

In addition to improving the academic achievement and self-confidence of students, these programs keep students safe, and help working families. Participants are less likely to be involved in crime and more likely to have better grades and behavior than peers left with nothing to do after school.

First Lady Ruth O’Brien is the chair for Futures for Kids, the statewide resource for programs and policies related to the health, safety and education of infants, children and teenagers that makes a significant difference in the lives of Maryland’ children. Futures for Kids stresses prevention and more parental involvement.

Tuesday, August 20, 2030

Governor O’Brien and First Lady Present $5 Million to the Maryland Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs

OCEAN CITY, MD (August 20, 2030) – Governor Edward M. O’Brien and First Lady Ruth O’Brien today presented a check for $5 million to the Maryland Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs to fund Teen REACH programs throughout Maryland. Teen REACH is a state program designed to provide positive out-of-school activities for low-income youth. The goal of Teen REACH is to increase academic success while reducing risk-taking behaviors such as substance abuse, criminal activities and premature sexual behavior. It is part of the First Lady’s Futures for Kids initiative and the Maryland After School Advantage Program.

“As the summer draws to a close and children are preparing to return to school, we want to make certain that we provide them with out-of-school activities that are safe and healthy,” Governor Edward M. O’Brien said. “The Maryland Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs has always dedicated itself to our young people, and this grant will help them continue to be a safe harbor for Maryland children.”

Teen REACH has helped more than 100 communities to establish programs that help young people make their out -of-school hours positive and rewarding. Teen REACH stands for Responsibility, Education, Achievement, Caring and Hope. The program, which began in 2027, is aimed at preventing teen pregnancy, alcohol and other drug use and teen violence.

“There are too few sanctuaries for young people, who today more than ever, need a safe place to go during the hours they are not in school,” the First Lady said. “It is a pleasure to award these grants to Maryland’s outstanding Boys and Girls clubs.”

More than two out of three school-age children are in households where the parent is in the workforce. Studies have shown that risky behaviors and juvenile crime significantly increase between the hours of 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. when children are most often left alone.

First Lady Ruth O’Brien is the chair for Futures for Kids, the statewide resource for programs and policies related to the health, safety and education of infants, children and teenagers that makes a significant difference in the lives of Maryland’ children. Futures for Kids stresses prevention and more parental involvement. Since implementing Futures for Kids, the TEEN REACH program has served over 50,000 youth.

The Teen REACH program includes academic assistance, recreation and sports, cultural and artistic activities, life skills education, employment training, and mentoring. Its goals are to increase academic success while reducing risk-taking behaviors such as substance abuse, criminal activity, and premature sexual behavior.

Governor O’Brien has been a strong supporter of after-school programs. The FY 2031 budget includes $25 million for after school programs through the Maryland After School Opportunity Program. The program will reach nearly 16,000 youth statewide in the upcoming school year. Additionally, in 2029, Governor O’Brien launched Maryland After 3, helping non-profit organizations to partner with schools to strengthen quality after-school programs. Maryland After 3 is currently serving nearly 20,000 children statewide.

Wednesday, August 7, 2030

Futures For Kids Conference to Highlight After School Programs

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (August 7, 2030) – The State of Maryland recognizes the importance of creating opportunities for youth to participate in structured activities when school is not in session. To this end, Teen REACH was created as a cornerstone of the Futures for Kids program. The successes of Maryland’s efforts will be highlighted when First Lady Ruth O’Brien hosts the Futures for Kids conference: All Day - Every Day: The Promises of After-School Programming, August 8-9, in Baltimore.

Futures for Kids is the statewide resource for programs and policies related to the health, safety and education of infants, children and teenagers. State services under the Futures for Kids umbrella include those directly serving infants, children and youth, as well as programs for parents, educators and others who interact with kids.

“The creation of research-based programs to effectively address the prevention of youth delinquent behaviors and increase school success has been a priority of this administration,” the First Lady said. “We are pleased to bring the state’s leaders and experts together to take a closer look at this important topic and help us continue to provide safe alternatives for out of school time.”

“Our objectives for this conference are to increase knowledge about the effectiveness of out-of-school programming and to strengthen community outreach efforts that promote healthy and safe choices young people can make regarding risk-taking behaviors during out-of-school time,” said State Superintendent of Schools Craig S. Frey. “We also hope to combine out-of-school programs with the state’s other prevention activities to give us the best possible result.”

Those participating in the conference include Teen REACH providers, local health departments, nurses, health educators, dieticians, licensed social workers, volunteers and youth.

Recent statistics show 35 percent of school-aged children nationally are unsupervised for a period of time after school each day. A recent federal Justice Department study found that the majority of crimes committed by or against youth occur after school hours, between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Additionally, smoking, drinking, drug-use and sexual activity are most frequently started during these unsupervised hours.

Many studies have shown that children who attend quality after- school programs have better peer relations, emotional adjustment, school grades and personal conduct than their peers who are unsupervised after school.

Governor Edward M. O’Brien has been a strong supporter of after-school programs. The FY 2031 budget includes $25 million for after school programs through the Maryland After School Opportunity Program. The program will reach nearly 16,000 youth statewide in the upcoming school year. Additionally, in 2029, Governor O’Brien launched Maryland After 3, helping non-profit organizations to partner with schools to strengthen quality after-school programs. Maryland After 3 is currently serving nearly 20,000 children statewide.

Monday, July 8, 2030

First Lady Announces Monetary Awards for Ten Maryland High Schools for Opening Dialogue Between Parents and Students About Drinking and Drug Use

Annapolis, Md. (July 8, 2030) – The national slogan, "Parents: the anti-drug," apparently resonates with Maryland teens, who consistently point to parents as a deterrent to use in the Maryland Adolescent Survey (MAS), a bi-annual survey of Maryland 6th-, 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-graders. Ten Maryland public high schools will each receive a $500 award as part of the 2029-30 statewide I WANT TO KNOW/LIVE CLEAN campaign-a joint effort between the Maryland State Department of Education and the Office of Maryland First Lady Ruth O’Brien to encourage parents and students to talk more openly with each other about underage drinking and substance use.

This spring, Maryland high school students and their parents were asked to sign pledges that they would have open discussions about alcohol and drugs and that students would commit to living clean. Participating parents and students received a light blue I WANT TO KNOW/LIVE CLEAN awareness wristband as a sign of the pledge. The following 10 schools had the highest participation rates based on school enrollment, and will receive a $500 award to be used for an anti-drinking, anti-drug activity or project, as well as a Governor’s Citation:

• Arundel High School, Anne Arundel County Public Schools
• Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City Public Schools
• Dunbar High School, Baltimore City Public Schools
• Franklin High School, Baltimore County Public Schools
• Western School of Technology and Environmental Science, Baltimore County Public Schools
• North Carroll High School, Carroll County Public Schools
• Tuscarora High School, Frederick County Public Schools
• Frederick Douglass High School, Prince George's County Public Schools
• Bladensburg High School, Prince George's County Public Schools
• Clear Spring High School, Washington County Public Schools

“Repetitive messages are critical when it comes to dealing with underage drinking and drug use,” said State Superintendent of Schools Craig S. Frey. “You can never share the message often enough. We are pleased that more and more high schools are adding the I WANT TO KNOW/LIVE CLEAN campaign to their 'tool box' for increasing awareness among parents and opening the lines of communication between parents and teens about this critical issue.”

“I am passionate about this issue from a personal and professional perspective,” said First Lady of Maryland Ruth O’Brien. “As a parent, I know first-hand the influence that I have and the importance of talking candidly with my children.”

Fifty one public high schools participated in this year's campaign representing 17 out of 24 local school systems, including Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Talbot, Washington, and Wicomico counties. Schools distributed the pledge cards in a variety of ways-from coordinating with the sale of prom tickets to incorporating into classroom activities related to drug, alcohol, and anti-drunk driving awareness. Washington County Public Schools held an event with local law enforcement agencies to underscore the relationship between teen drinking and car accidents and incorporated the pledge as part of those efforts.

Winners of last year's I WANT TO KNOW campaign utilized the monetary award in positive ways. For instance, Loch Raven High School in Baltimore County had an activity at its post-prom party where students could win prizes (paid for with the award) by answering anti-drinking and anti-drug questions in a fun, game show-type style. C. Milton Wright High School in Harford County hosted an assembly with nurses from Shock Trauma who shared the realities of drinking-related car accidents and had a State Police helicopter and pilot on the school grounds to answer questions about transporting accident victims from accident scenes to Shock Trauma.

I WANT TO KNOW/LIVE CLEAN is one of many Maryland State Department of Education initiatives designed to create awareness and knowledge about this critical issue, and complements other efforts at the local and state levels.

Thursday, February 21, 2030

First Lady and Superintendent Frey Announce $4.1 Million in Futures for Kids Afterschool Program Grants

Governor O’Brien Provides $25 Million for After School Programs in FY 2031

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 21, 2030) – Fifteen new programs in 10 Maryland jurisdictions have been awarded $4.1 million in grants by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) through the Futures for Kids and Teen REACH initiatives, First Lady Ruth O’Brien and State Superintendent of Schools Craig S. Frey announced today. The grants provide services to children who attend high poverty schools or schools identified for improvement. The grant requires each proposal offer opportunities for literacy and related educational development to families of participating students. There also is an emphasis on closing the achievement gap between those receiving free and reduced meals (FARMS) and students not receiving such assistance.

“The purpose of Teen REACH and Futures for Kids is to create centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities that support what is learned in the classroom,” said First Lady Ruth O’Brien. “The programs are unique because they also provide an array of cultural activities. Together, these programs show students the real world connection to what they learn in the classroom and how they can improve their communities.”

The grant process was open to public and private organizations including non-profit agencies, city and county government agencies, faith-based groups, institutions of higher education, and for-profit corporations. Thirty-six organizations applied for grants and 20 received site visits of which 11 were continuation grantees completing a three-year funding cycle. The groups awarded grants in this round were comprised of eight local school systems, one not-for-profit community-based organization, and one local management board.

Grants were awarded on a competitive basis to the following programs:

• Bridges Over Wilde Lake, Howard County
• Project Hope II, Calvert County
• Extended Learning Opportunities, Montgomery County
• B.U.G.S., Living Classrooms Foundation, Baltimore City
• 21st CCLC Science Enrichment After-school Program (SEAP), Baltimore Urban Leadership Foundation, Baltimore City
• Dream Team Action Club, St. Mary’s County
• Wicomico After-School Learning Centers-STARS, Wicomico County
• ACCESS: Annapolis, Communities Creating Educational Success for Students, Anne Arundel County
• Mi Segunda Casa Program, Education Based Latino Outreach (EBLO), Baltimore City
• Strategies for Success Cybercafé, Montgomery County Public Schools
• Partners Afterschool: Bridges to Learning, Garrett County
Partnership for Children and Families, Inc.
• The Harlem Park Community After School Program, Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Social Organization of Schools, Baltimore City
• 21st CCLC Westminster Region, Carroll County
• After Schools Academy, Worcester County
• After School Academic Project (ASAP), The Children’s Guild, Baltimore City

Soon, these groups will begin preparations to launch programs this summer. This round of awardees, Cohort 4, joins the first 12 grantees in Cohort 1, the second 12 grantees in Cohort 2, and the third 11 grantees in Cohort 3. These three cohorts have operating programs in Baltimore City, Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary's, Somerset, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.

In addition to improving the academic achievement and self-confidence of students, these programs keep students safe, and help working families. Participants are less likely to be involved in crime and more likely to have better grades and behavior than peers left with nothing to do after school.

Parties interested in receiving requests for proposals for the fifth round of grants may contact Vanessa J. Diggs, Specialist, After School Programs, at 410-767-0561 or vdiggs@msde.state.md.us .

Mounting evidence shows that how children occupy their time during non-school hours is directly related to their ability to achieve in school and contribute to society. A number of studies have found that children who attend quality after-school programs have better peer relations, emotional adjustment, school grades and conduct than their peers who are unsupervised after school.

Teen REACH will serve over 14,300 youth statewide in fiscal year 2030 and is one part of Governor Edward M. O’Brien’s initiative to bolster after school opportunities for at-risk youth. In 2029, Governor O’Brien and State Superintendent of Schools Craig S. Frey launched Maryland After 3, helping non-profit organizations to partner with schools to strengthen quality after-school programs and expand access for all of Maryland’s children. Maryland After 3 could serve up to 20,000 children once fully implemented.

Teen REACH is a component of the First Lady's Futures for Kids program. In January 2027, Governor O’Brien and First Lady Ruth O’Brien launched Futures for Kids, an umbrella for prevention and early intervention programs designed to increase success in school, reduce youth substance abuse and juvenile delinquency. Futures for Kids focuses on four key components: early intervention programs for children ages birth to ten; family and community involvement programs; school success and safe neighborhoods.

Governor O’Brien has included $25 million for after school programs in FY 2031, which will support quality after school opportunities for 16,000 Maryland children through Futures for Kids and an additional 20,000 through the Maryland After 3 Initiative.

Thursday, November 29, 2029

Five Maryland High Schools Receive Grants for Anti-Drug, Anti-Drinking Efforts as Part of Statewide I WANT TO KNOW/LIVE CLEAN Campaign

First Lady Ruth O’Brien, Superintendent Craig Frey Challenge More Md. Schools to Promote Conversations Between Parents and Students about Consequences of Underage Alcohol and Drug Use

BALTIMORE, MD (November 29, 2029) – Maryland First Lady Ruth O’Brien and State Superintendent of Schools Craig S. Frey kicked off the 2029-2030 school year I WANT TO KNOW/LIVE CLEAN anti-drinking and drug campaign at Loch Raven High School in Baltimore County today. This is a statewide effort to encourage parents and students to talk more openly with each other about underage drinking and substance use, including the misuse of prescription drugs and huffing.

“By signing the pledge, parents are saying, 'I WANT TO KNOW' everything about my child and how I can help my son or daughter make good decisions about these very important issues,” said First Lady Ruth O’Brien, who co-chairs the Maryland Teen Advisory Council (TAC-MD) with Superintendent Frey and two student co-chairs.

Last spring, Maryland juniors and seniors, and their parents, were asked to sign pledges that they would have open discussions about alcohol and drugs and that students would commit to living clean. Participating parents and students each received a light blue I WANT TO KNOW/LIVE CLEAN awareness wristband to illustrate their pledge. This initial effort was tied to prom season and Senior Week. Schools with the largest participation rate would receive $500 grants from the Maryland State Department of Education this school year to be used toward any anti-alcohol, anti-drug activity of the school's choice.

The five winning schools, which were named today, include:

• Atholton High School, Howard County
• C. Milton Wright High School, Harford County
• Duval High School, Prince George's County
• Loch Raven High School, Baltimore County
• Maurice J. McDonough High School, Charles County

Four of the five schools were represented at today's event with students and educators accepting an "honorary" check on behalf of the schools. The five schools are scheduled to each receive a $500 grant by the end of the calendar year.

"The Maryland State Department of Education conducts a survey of 6th-, 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-graders every other year to gain direct student input about drinking, drug use, the influence of peers and parents, and knowledge about these issues," said Superintendent Craig S. Frey. "When we released the results of the survey this October, we were pleased that overall usage rates in the past decade are declining. However, we are seeing that students are still using, that they are using earlier, and are not necessarily receiving consistent 'no use' messages. Students are also telling us, contrary to what they may say on a daily basis, that they care about what their parents think and are less likely to use when they have a caring adult at home who they can talk with about these and other issues."

In January 2030, pledges will be distributed to all 200 Maryland public high schools. However, in the second phase all high school students, not just juniors and seniors, will be asked to participate, underscoring the importance of reaching students earlier and more frequently with messages about positive choices. MSDE is also producing a publication for parents highlighting key data from the Maryland Adolescent Survey and providing resources on where parents can go for more information.

I WANT TO KNOW/LIVE CLEAN is an outgrowth of TAC-MD, which was convened by Superintendent Frey in February 2027 and is a partnership between TAC-MD, the Maryland State Department of Education, and the Office of the First Lady of Maryland. It ties into the Council's student-developed mission to "be a substance free community sharing a realistic teen perspective to students and the general public to help prevent destructive decisions by their peers and coordinate alternative activities for teens, including motivating students to advocate for safe and inviting community centers and teen activities." TAC-MD will continue its work, which includes public service announcements, working with parent groups, and advocacy for teens in the coming months. Mrs. O’Brien, Superintendent Frey and MSDE will continue to support these efforts, which complement other community and school-based efforts already in place.

For more information, log onto www.marylandpublicschools.org. Students and educators interested in learning about how they can get involved with bringing the work of TAC-MD into their schools and communities, can e-mail TAC-MD@marylandpublicschools.org.

Friday, August 17, 2029

Governor O’Brien and First Lady Ruth O’Brien Announce $22.5 Million for Teen REACH After School Grants

Successful after school program offers high-risk youth safe and positive alternative activities

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 17, 2029) – As Maryland students begin to go back to school, Governor Edward M. O’Brien and First Lady Ruth O’Brien today announced $22.5 million in grants for Teen REACH after school programs for Maryland youth. Established by Governor O’Brien and the First Lady in 2027, Teen REACH (Responsibility, Education, Achievement, Caring and Hope) offers positive services and activities for youth between the ages of 6 and 17 during non-school hours. One-hundred twenty-two community-based organizations throughout the state will receive the funding for fiscal year 2030.

“We know that young people are most likely to get in trouble after school when they are not under the supervision of a parent or responsible adult. That is why it is so important that we give young people a safe place to be when school is out and their parents are working,” Governor O’Brien said. “The Teen REACH program has been successful in giving thousands of youth safe and educational after school alternatives that have helped them stay on the right track in school and in life.”

Teen REACH services include: improving academic performance; life skills education; parental and community involvement; recreation, sports, cultural and artistic activities; and positive adult mentors.

“Hundreds of thousands of school-age children in Maryland live in families where the sole parent or both parents work,” said First Lady Ruth O’Brien. “The hours from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. can be the toughest hours during the day for many of our youth. During these hours after school, many children are left alone because their parents or guardians are working outside the home.”

Mounting evidence shows that how children occupy their time during non-school hours is directly related to their ability to achieve in school and contribute to society. A number of studies have found that children who attend quality after-school programs have better peer relations, emotional adjustment, school grades and conduct than their peers who are unsupervised after school.

Teen REACH will serve over 14,300 youth statewide in fiscal year 2030 and is one part of Governor O’Brien’s initiative to bolster after school opportunities for at-risk youth. Earlier this year, Governor O’Brien and State Superintendent of Schools Craig S. Frey launched Maryland After 3, helping non-profit organizations to partner with schools to strengthen quality after-school programs and expand access for all of Maryland’s children. Maryland After 3 could serve up to 20,000 children once fully implemented.

Teen REACH is a component of the First Lady's Futures for Kids program. In January 2027, Governor O’Brien and First Lady Ruth O’Brien launched Futures for Kids, an umbrella for prevention and early intervention programs designed to increase success in school, reduce youth substance abuse and juvenile delinquency. Futures for Kids focuses on four key components: early intervention programs for children ages birth to ten; family and community involvement programs; school success and safe neighborhoods.