VBISD Migrant/Multilingual Program Expands Learning and Support Through 32n Out-of-School Time Grant

January 14, 2026

The Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD) Migrant/Multilingual Department will play a key role in the implementation of Michigan’s 32n Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant, which brings $1,012,860 to Van Buren County to expand high-quality learning opportunities beyond the traditional school day.

The grant was written and secured by Erin Kucharski, Van Buren Youth Initiative Coordinator, whose leadership and collaboration were instrumental in bringing these funds to the county. Administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and coordinated locally through the Van Buren Youth Initiative (VBYI), the grant supports programming across eight local school districts as well as the VBISD Summer Migrant Program.

Supporting Migrant and Multilingual Learners

Funding directed to the VBISD Migrant/Multilingual Department will strengthen out-of-school and summer learning experiences designed specifically to meet the needs of migrant and English Learner (EL) students. Through the grant secured by Kucharski, funds will be used to:

  • Expand summer and after-school instructional opportunities that reinforce literacy, language development, and core academic skills.

  • Provide culturally and linguistically responsive programming, ensuring students see their identities, languages, and lived experiences reflected in instruction.

  • Support social-emotional learning and a sense of belonging, creating safe, welcoming spaces for students and families.

  • Increase access to enrichment opportunities, including arts, physical activity, leadership development, and hands-on learning.

  • Reduce barriers for migrant families, including challenges related to transportation, income, and mobility.

Building Continuity for Mobile Students

Migrant students often experience interruptions in schooling due to frequent moves or seasonal work. The 32n OST grant—secured through Kucharski’s work—allows the Migrant/Multilingual Department to provide consistent, high-quality learning opportunities outside the school day and during the summer, helping students maintain academic momentum and continue developing English language proficiency.

Collaboration Across Van Buren County

Through VBYI, the Migrant/Multilingual Department will collaborate with local districts and community partners to ensure programming is aligned, accessible, and responsive to student needs. Kucharski’s grant leadership builds on years of relationship-building across the county, allowing schools, educators, and community organizations to work together in support of migrant and multilingual learners.

An Investment in Equity and Opportunity

For migrant and multilingual students, the 32n OST grant represents more than expanded programming—it represents opportunity. By intentionally including the VBISD Migrant/Multilingual Program, the funding secured by Erin Kucharski helps ensure that students who face the greatest barriers to access are included in meaningful, enriching learning experiences.

As implementation moves forward, VBISD and VBYI remain committed to honoring the vision of the grant: creating spaces where migrant and multilingual students can learn, connect, and thrive beyond the classroom—supporting academic success, confidence, and long-term growth.

Teacher working with Migrant Students funded by OST Grant