The President’s FY27 budget proposal, released April 3, would eliminate dedicated 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funding and replace it with a consolidated block grant—impacting afterschool and summer programs as early as 2027.

Afterschool professionals are the heart of this work. They bring the energy, consistency, and care it takes to transform programming into spaces where students want to be.

On April 7th, sixth-grade students from Covington, Newport, Ludlow, and Dayton returned to Northern Kentucky University for a special Spring Campus Visit Day.

The Covington Mentoring Program’s Bulldog Buddies Peer Mentoring Program powered by Partners For Change continues to grow, expanding its reach to serve even more students across Covington Independent Public Schools.

Partners For Change, in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education, successfully welcomed more than 200 Out-of-School Time (OST) professionals, educators, and youth development leaders from across the Commonwealth to Northern Kentucky for the 2026 Game On: Out-of-School Time All-Star Playbook .

As students returned to Ludlow High School for the spring semester, the SOAR program welcomed both familiar faces and new participants, while expanding enrichment opportunities to support students during a time of year that can be especially challenging. The months leading up to spring break often test students’ motivation and focus, making it even more important to create spaces where they feel supported, connected, and inspired.

Welcome Kathleen Kelly!

Game On! 2026 Schedule of Events!

You spoke, we listened. Cooler weather was at the top of the wish list—and while we can’t control the forecast, moving from July to September feels like a good start. Save the date for our 2026 Golf Outing: Monday, September 21, 2026!

Partners For Change is proud to announce the Dr. Janice Wilkerson Scholarship, established in 2025 to honor the extraordinary career and lasting impact of Dr. Janice Wilkerson.

For Kareem Simpson, mentoring has never been about having all the answers—it’s about showing up.

Out-of-School Time programming at Erlanger-Elsmere Schools is flourishing thanks to a dynamic partnership between Crew 21, the Lloyd Memorial Energy Team, and the support of Partners For Change. Together, this collaboration is creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect students to their environment in engaging and memorable ways.

Covington-Based C-Forward Supports National Mentoring Month with $15,000 Donation to Partners For Change

Contribution supports evidence-based mentoring program that promotes student success and well-being across Northern-Kentucky River City Schools

Last month, Partners For Change CEO Stacie Strotman and COO Neena Volk proudly accepted a $20,000 grant on behalf of Partners For Change from Whiskey and Wishes, a local nonprofit dedicated to spreading “cask-strength kindness” across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.

At Newport Primary School, students thrive through strong academics, differentiated instruction, hands-on STEM learning, and—most importantly—rich, meaningful enrichment made possible through dynamic community partnerships. During our enrichment hour, students explore creative and cultural experiences that expand learning beyond the classroom. From creating visual art alongside professional artists through our partnership with Baker-Hunt Arts & Cultural Center, to discovering music and performance with Band in the Bus, celebrating literacy with the Newport Public Library, and welcoming community members as guest readers, students are building curiosity, confidence, and connection.

KYOSA is seeking a full-time Director. This role is employed and supported through KYOSA’s fiscal sponsor, Partners For Change, and is funded by a grant from the C.S. Mott Foundation.

KYOSA works to expand the growth, development, and accessibility of quality out-of-school (OST) programs across Kentucky, and Partners for Change works side by side with school

districts to enhance out-of-school time, mentoring, and family engagement programs —bringing added capacity, expertise, and resources.

Partners For Change is looking for a part-time or contract Financial Analyst to help manage and strengthen the financial foundation of our growing nonprofit. This key role is responsible for managing aspects of the organization’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance. The Financial Analyst will provide guidance to the executive team, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.

We’re just four weeks away from the biggest day to give back in 2025 — #GivingTuesday!

This October, we asked our community to rally behind the mission, helping students stay in school, feel supported, and focus on their future — and you answered!