April 27, 2022 3:20 a.m.

Oregon Community Summer Grant Program funding will be awarded to nonprofit and government entities who provide K-12 summer programs.

A release from the Douglas Education Service District said applications are currently being accepted.

Funds allocated from the Oregon Legislature will be used to increase access to summer enrichment to provide deeper learning, creative spaces for hands-on projects and opportunities for youth to explore interests and possible career paths. The release said the focus of these grants will prioritize historically underserved populations. Examples of eligible summer program focus areas include arts, environmental education, STEM/STEAM, literacy, mentoring, service learning, sports/recreation, summer academics, workforce development and museum education.

The release said the Oregon Department of Education asked the Oregon Association of Education Service Districts to manage the distribution of $50 million to community- based organizations. Average grant awards will be $75,000.

Eligible organizations include insured nonprofit 501c3 organizations, tribal governments, public agencies, churches and colleges located in Oregon.

For more information and to apply for an Oregon Community Summer Grant, go to: https://www.oaesd.org/summer-grant-program/