POUGHKEEPSIE … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino today announced eight municipal and nonprofit organizations have been awarded a combined $107,471 through New York State’s Youth Sports and Education Opportunity funding. The funding will expand athletic opportunities for local children ages 6 to 17 while encouraging healthy lifestyles, supporting academic achievement, preparing young people for future careers and strengthening community connections. Grant recommendations were developed by the Dutchess County Youth Board and Coordinating Council, comprised of community members and nonprofit representatives.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Every young person deserves the chance to learn, grow and thrive. Sports help young people build healthy habits, confidence, friendships and valuable life skills that can benefit them for years to come. We are thrilled to partner with these awarded organizations to provide a wide range of sports opportunities for our young people.”
Projects funded through the 2026-27 Youth Sports and Education Opportunity Funding program include:
City of Beacon, Beacon Swim Academy, $10,977 – The City’s pool will host the popular Pool Swim Academy program throughout the month of July for several age groups: preschool, ages 5-7, and 8+, serving 80 young people; funds will be used for personnel costs.
Northern Dutchess Aquatic Club, Pre-Team and Dryland Training, $16,374 – Offer training opportunities through two free, eight-week, pre-team sessions, a 12-week dryland training session for swimmers ages 6-13 and free dryland training for swimmers ages 14-18; funds will cover costs of swimming and dryland equipment, pool rental and personnel.
NY FLIGHT 845, Inc., NY FLIGHT Academy, $18,000 – Provide free, structured open-gym basketball training, skills and drills training, as well as organized team activities, building basic skills for middle- and high-school students, as well as continuing Kingdom Classic Tournament; funds will be used for equipment, supplies, coaches and trainers.
Ramapo for Children, Experiential Social and Emotional Learning Retreats for Dutchess County Nonprofits and/or Schools, $14,500 – Offer minimum of three experiential retreats for at least 80 young people from local schools and nonprofits, utilizing active, hands-on experiences to strengthen social and emotional learning skills while encouraging physical activity; funds will be used for ropes course maintenance and repair, as well as personnel cost.
Town of Hyde Park, Learn to Swim Program, $7,558 – Helps young people achieve life-long skills through instruction from certified American Red Cross Swimming Lesson staff, offering the opportunity to learn to swim and physical exercise in a fun, safe and positive environment; funds will be used for lifeguards and instructors.
Town of Red Hook, Town of Red Hook Recreation, $20,000 – Provides five-week summer programs that offer 12+ different recreational programs to over 500 young people up to age 21 living within the Red Hook Central School District; funds will be used for personnel costs.
Town of Stanford, Teen Fitness Foundations, $5,762 – After-school program for students in sixth through 10th grade, building lifelong fitness skills through structured, engaging sessions by providing inclusive opportunity for teens, especially those not involved in sports, to stay active, improve their health and build habits that support long-term wellness; funds will be used for sports equipment and fitness trainers.
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie Outing Club, $14,300 – After-school program engages Poughkeepsie Middle and High School students in physical activity through structured outdoor programming to reduce barriers to outdoor recreation; funds will cover personnel cost and hiking equipment for the lending “library.”
Funding Still Available – Organizations Encouraged to Apply
A total of $43,916 remains available through the YSEF grant program, for the program year Oct. 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2027, for local organizations that provide free sports opportunities to young people ages 6-17.
Eligible applicants should be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, other community-based organization, or a municipality with a federal identification number, operating in Dutchess County with the ability to meet the County’s insurance requirements. Organizations that have been awarded 2026-2027 YSEF funding are encouraged to apply for additional funding.
Please visit the Division’s NYS Office of Children and Family Services (NYS OCFS) Grant Funding webpage for more comprehensive information regarding this program and how to apply.
