Harris County and the Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment for Kids (CASE for Kids), a division of Harris County Department of Education, have announced the 2022 County Connections Youth Summer Initiative grant awardees.

This year, nearly $1.1 million were awarded to 49 county nonprofits that provide youth summer enrichment programs. A total of 99 applications were received requesting funding.

View the complete list of awardees here.

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with Harris County for the second year in a row,” said CASE for Kids Director Lisa Thompson-Caruthers. “The county’s ongoing support of out-of-school time enrichment during the critical summer timeframe will propel students to discover hobbies and interests while keeping them safe and academically engaged.”

The County Connections Youth Summer Initiative infuses funding ranging from $4,000 to $20,000 to nonprofits for programming that will take place from June 6 to Aug. 26. Samples of services range from academic programming and sports activities to hobby exploration and college readiness initiatives. Funding will assist approximately 7,000 families of children in elementary through high school.

“Investing in our children is one of the best, if not the best, way to spend our funds,” said Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey. “Smart minds enrich a community in more ways than one, and I thank the Harris County Department of Education for awarding these grants to organizations throughout our communities. Harris County has a brighter future when we all work together for our kids.”

County Connections grants provide opportunities for area nonprofits to supply comprehensive or short-term programs and camps, which may be hosted in-person or virtually from various locations, including schools, community centers, apartment complexes and churches.

Nonprofits from all four county precincts received grant funding. Services are customized to meet the needs of the community in individual Harris County precincts. Grant funds are used to purchase materials and supplies for activities, add programming opportunities, and reduce fees or offer scholarships to families.

CASE for Kids is an afterschool intermediary founded through HCDE in 1999, which provides training, services, and resources for out-of-school time programs, including before and after school, weekend, and summer enrichment. 

Families may find organizations offering programs within their communities through their Harris County precinct. For precinct offices, go to harriscountytx.gov.