Changes Made to the Extracurricular Opportunity Program

July 19, 2023 – With the adoption of a new, comprehensive strategic plan at the June Board Meeting, the Michigan Youth Education Fund is excited to announce changes to its flagship program! Previously, the Educational Opportunity Program provided grants to students and student groups to reduce barriers and costs for participation in academic, extracurricular activities.

Over the past three years, the Educational Opportunity Program has been the primary avenue for carrying out our mission. The program distributed $8,388 in grants to support 357 Michigan students across the state. After a thorough review of the program, including conversations with leadership and external stakeholders, the program was reimagined to improve its effectiveness and reach to support more Michigan students.

As of the 2023-2024 Grant Cycle, the Educational Opportunity Program will become known as G.O.A.L. or the Grants for Opportunities in Active Learning Program. Along with the name changes comes important program updates that educators and students should know about.

Program Changes:

• Nine (9) $500 grants will be distributed to Michigan student groups to support academic, extracurricular activities.
• Individual student grants will no longer be distributed. 
• Grants used for activities within the State of Michigan will be prioritized.

The GOAL Program will open for applications for the 2023/24 school year on August 1, 2023.