Program FAQs
Why Isn’t the School’s Out Program a 501(c)(3)
Non-Profit?
The School’s Out Program operates as a Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Program, funded through a federal grant awarded to the Governor Wentworth Regional School District (GWRSD) in the amount of $80,000 per year. The GWRSD acts as the program’s fiscal agent, overseeing all financial matters and contributing more than $100,000 in essential in-kind services, including office and program space.
Because of this structure, the School’s Out Program does not hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and, therefore, does not qualify for certain grants that require this designation. In response, the Town of Ossipee has generously provided financial support to help sustain the program.
In 2022, the town budget committee suggested that the program apply for 501(c)(3) status to secure more outside funding and reduce reliance on town funding. However, pursuing this change would require the program to return all 21st CCLC grant funds. The School’s Out Program will not be pursuing 501(c)(3) status, as maintaining our current funding structure is the best course of action for the program’s sustainability.
We would like to express our deep appreciation to GWRSD, Town of Ossipee Board of Selectmen, the Budget Committee, and the community members who continue to support the School’s Out Program. Your commitment helps ensure that Ossipee children and families have access to a safe, enriching afterschool program. It truly takes a village, and we are grateful to be part of one that values and invests in its children’s future.
What Does School’s Out Cost?
The sliding scale fee system is based on the free and reduced lunch program, making it affordable for all families. The maximum cost is $84 per 12-week club, which breaks down to just $7 per day or $3.50 per hour.
Each club meets one day per week, giving kids the chance to explore multiple activities throughout the week. For that price, students receive:
*A healthy snack
*Academic support
*An enrichment club of their choice (options include Robotics, Girls on the Run, Wacky Art, and more!)
*Transportation to several designated stops
Many families qualify for a reduced rate, meaning they pay even less. Most importantly, no child is ever turned away due to financial hardship. Program fees help sustain this valuable program, ensuring we can continue offering high-quality enrichment and support for all students.
Trimester Fee Scale
Full Pay Lunch | Reduced Pay Lunch | Free Lunch | |
| 1st child (most clubs) | $84.00 /club | $42.00 /club | $21.00 /club |
| 2nd child | $42.00 /club | $21.00 /club | $10.50 /club |
| 3rd child | $21.00 /club | $10.50 /club | $5.25 /club |
| 4th child (least clubs) | $0.00 /club | $0.00 /club | $0.00 /club |
GWRSD Contributes Over $100,000 of In-Kind to the School’s Out Program. What Is In-Kind?
Think of in-kind donations like sharing what’s already there instead of spending extra money. At School’s Out, we use spaces like that cafeteria, gym, and classrooms. The places that already exist and would be open whether we were there or not. The lights and heat would be on anyway, and the custodians are already working, cleaning the spaces after we leave just like they do for the rest of the school.
We also use the late bus, which already makes a scheduled stop at Ossipee Central. Our students just ride the same bus that’s already running, so no extra money is needed to add a new route. In short, School’s Out isn’t creating extra costs for GWRSD, it’s simply making the most of what’s already available to give kids awesome afterschool opportunities!