Senator Hochadel Celebrates State Funding for Meriden After-School Programs

State Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, today applauded the announcement that Meriden Public Schools will receive $153,880 in state funding through the Connecticut State Department of Education’s After-School Grant Program to expand after-school programming at Lincoln Middle School and Washington Middle School.

The grant will provide students with academic supports and enrichment opportunities beyond the school day. Meriden was one of 41 grant recipients selected statewide from a total of $5.3 million in funding distributed across 30 municipalities.

“As an educator, I know the transformative impact that after-school programs have on our students,” Senator Hochadel said. “These programs provide safe, structured environments where children can receive tutoring, explore their interests and develop the social skills they need to succeed. This investment in Meriden’s middle school students will help working families while ensuring our young people have every opportunity to thrive academically and personally.”

The funding comes through a competitive grant process that evaluated each applicant’s ability to address local student needs, foster family and community engagement, and promote student wellness.

Earlier this year, Senator Hochadel was an outspoken voice in a successful fight to restore critical federal funding for the Meriden Boys & Girls Club’s after-school programming after the Trump administration attempted to withhold approved support.