Catalyst Funding Opportunity
Applications Open June 15, 2026
Beyond School Bells is excited to offer year two of our Catalyst funding opportunity. Building on the legacy of our Partner and Leverage Grants, Catalyst Funding supports established Expanded Learning Opportunity (ELO) programs that are committed to innovation, sustainability, and youth-centered learning.
More than a funding opportunity, Catalyst 2026-27 is an invitation to join a growing statewide movement focused on improving literacy outcomes and expanding career possibilities and long-term success for Nebraska youth through high-quality afterschool and summer learning.
Catalyst recipients become part of a statewide learning community working together to advance shared goals related to literacy, workforce readiness, student engagement, and long-term success. In addition to operational funding, recipients receive access to:
- Strategic practices for aligning programming with statewide education and workforce priorities and outcomes
- Coaching and technical assistance
- Virtual and in-person learning opportunities
- Peer networking and best-practice sharing
- Resources that strengthen sustainability and community partnerships
New for 2026-27
For the 2026-27 school year, Catalyst recipients will select one of two statewide impact pathways:
Literacy Pathway: Programs will use high quality literacy experiences to help young people strengthen reading skills, build a love of learning, increase engagement, and develop the foundational skills needed for lifelong success.
Workforce Exploration Pathway: Programs will provide career-connected learning experiences that help young people explore future opportunities, develop workplace and leadership skills, and build meaningful connections between education, postsecondary pathways, careers, and community.
While programs will select a primary pathway, all recipients will contribute to a broader statewide effort to strengthen outcomes for Nebraska youth through the goal areas below.
Funding Opportunity Goal Areas
Strong applicants will demonstrate how participation in either the Literacy Pathway or Workforce Exploration Pathway will contribute to one or more of the following statewide goals:
Goal 1 - Quality: Advance high-quality Expanded Learning Opportunities that use literacy or workforce exploration experiences to improve outcomes for youth.
Goal 2 - Sustainability: Build the partnerships, resources, and community support needed to sustain literacy and workforce exploration opportunities over time and position ELOs as essential education and community infrastructure.
Goal 3 - Local Advocacy and Policy: Increase awareness of the role Expanded Learning Opportunities play in strengthening literacy, workforce readiness, and community success.
Goal 4 - Innovative Programming: Implement engaging, youth-centered literacy or workforce exploration experiences that reflect local interests, build life skills, and prepare young people for future learning and work.
Together, Catalyst recipients form a statewide network of communities working toward a shared vision: ensuring Nebraska youth have access to engaging learning experiences that strengthen literacy, expand career possibilities, and create pathways to long-term success.
Catalyst Participation Options
Finally, Catalyst applicants will have the opportunity to apply at one of two participation levels:
Option 1: Catalyst Partners
Programs may apply to become Catalyst Partners through either the Literacy Pathway or Workforce Exploration Pathway. Grantees receive funding and support to deliver high-impact programming while joining a statewide effort to improve outcomes for Nebraska youth through literacy and career-connected learning.
This cohort will consist of 12-15 school year grants, averaging $22,000-$25,000 each.
Option 2: Catalyst Research & Innovation Cohort
Programs interested in leading the next generation of afterschool innovation may apply to join the Catalyst Research & Innovation Cohort. As demonstration sites, grantees will participate in pathway related studies to help build Nebraska's evidence base on how high-quality Expanded Learning Opportunities improve literacy, career exploration, workforce readiness, attendance, and long-term success.
This cohort will consist of 3-4 grants, averaging $42,000-$45,000 for the first year. Funding will be provided for up to three years, with amounts determined each year based on performance and available funds.
Dates & Deadlines
- Applications open June 15, 2026
- Informational webinar will be held on June 18 at 12pm CT
- Applications due August 7
- Award Notifications August 14
- Funding will run September 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027 (9 months)
- Separate funding may be available for 2027 summer programming
Power On Afterschool Funding Opportunity - CLOSED
Beyond School Bells is excited to announce a new funding opportunity designed to keep the Lights on Afterschool momentum going all year, with special focus on April. This mid-year moment is a powerful time to keep afterschool visible, strengthen advocacy efforts, and build energy toward October’s celebration. Programs are encouraged to host simple awareness events that highlight data, share stories, engage community partners, elevate youth and family voices, and recognize afterschool professionals as essential to student success. Reimbursement-style funding is available to support these efforts.
Applications are now CLOSED.
For questions, please reach out to Patricia Sanchez-Stewart at psanchezstewart@nebraskachildren.org.
