Fourteen afterschool programs in New Hampshire will receive mini-grants totaling $271,527 for 627 program slots from National 4-H Council for the 2008-09 school year. Funded by the JC Penney 4-H Afterschool Fund, these awards are designed to increase access for youth currently not in after-school programs, or on the verge of leaving after-school programs due to a lack of funds. A total of $1 million was available nationally to fund 2,000 slots for school-age children. New Hampshire’s awards are 27 percent of available funds and 31 percent of the projected slots.

In addition to the financial support, each youth supported by these awards will also receive a JC Penney gift card, courtesy of JC Penney Co, to use in purchasing back-to-school clothing and supplies. To be eligible, each program must be within 20 miles of a JC Penney store or unit, operate Monday-Friday throughout the school year, provide a 100 percent cash match, and partner with the county 4-H program.

This is the third year our county Extension Educators, 4-H Youth Development, have helped community programs receive these awards. This year’s awards are an increase of almost 10 percent in both number of youth to be served and dollar amount.

Programs receiving awards include Ossipee School’s Out in Carroll County, Gorham Family Resource Center in Coos County, and Plymouth A+PLUS in Grafton County. Also, Hillsboro-Deering KIDS IN GEAR in Hillsborough County, Newport Enrichment Team in Sullivan County, Seymour Osman Community Center in Strafford County, and Franklin Celebrates in Merrimack County.

Five Cheshire County programs will receive awards including Hinsdale HOPE, Winchester ACCESS, Keene MANY Options, Marl-Harris program serving Marlborough and Harrisville, and Monadnock MOSI serving Troy, Sullivan and Gilsum. Rockingham County programs include Epping Recreation Center and Seacoast Youth Services in Seabrook.