April 1, 2008, Charlotte, NC – After a successful inaugural year, Partners in Out-of-School Time (POST) is expanding the Middle School Matters to serve 600 students by adding programs in three additional CMS middle schools. 

Launched by POST, Middle School Matters, a network of excellent afterschool programs, is the chance for young people to be in safe places, with engaging activities, supported by caring adults to help with homework, model life skills, and connect them to a brighter future. POST is now accepting proposals for 2008-2009 Middle School Matters grants which will provide funding for non-profit community-based organizations to operate afterschool programs in six (6) Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) middle schools during 2008-2009. All applicants must be either non-profit, charitable organization tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or LEA's (Lead Educational Agencies) and must have received their exemption on or before January 1, 2008. Awards will be made in the range of $150,000 - $212,000 per site, up to $2,120 per student. The total number and amount of awards is contingent upon available funding.

Proposals are due by May 16, 2008 and all applicants MUST attend a Request for Proposal (RFP) Question and Answer workshop on April 15, 2008 from 10:30 - 11:30 AM.

About Partners in Out-of-School Time: Partners in Out-of-School Time is a Charlotte-based nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ensure that all school-age children and youth in Mecklenburg County have access to high-quality out-of-school time programs, activities and opportunities. For more information on Partners in Out-of-School Time, visit www.postcarolinas.org. For questions, please call 704-376-1845.