Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES has secured $2.5 million in state funding to expand after-school programming in Marion and Lyons school districts.
Both districts were awarded BOOST (Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time) grants from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Each will receive $1.25 million over the next five years—$250,000 per year—to support students in grades 7–12.
The funds will be used for program development, staffing, and resources that support student engagement and academic success outside the classroom. W-FL BOCES coordinated the applications and will continue to support both districts through budget management, data reporting, and grant implementation.
“This is a remarkable success for students and families,” said W-FL BOCES Grant Services Coordinator Bridgette Barr. “The BOOST Grant represents a significant investment aimed at empowering high school students.”
Marion Superintendent Dr. Ellen Lloyd said the funding will enhance existing programs and help launch new ones that align with the district’s community schools strategy.
The grant is especially notable because OCFS expected to award only two grants across the entire Finger Lakes region, which includes eight counties.
