POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Through New York State’s Youth Sports and Education Opportunity program, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced today that 10 municipal and nonprofit organizations will receive a total of $166,785 in funding through New York State’s Youth Sports and Education Opportunity program. These grants will support sports programs for youth ages 6 to 17 in underserved communities, with a focus on promoting physical and mental health, academic success, job readiness and stronger community ties. Award recommendations were made by the Dutchess County’s Youth Board and Coordinating Council, which is made up of community members and representatives from various non-profit organizations.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Young people should have access to diverse programs and opportunities, and we're proud to team up with these organizations to positively impact their lives. Sports can be a powerful tool to support kids’ growth – bolstering their development physically, mentally and socially – laying the groundwork for a brighter, more successful future.”
Projects funded through the 2025-26 Youth Sports and Education Opportunity Funding program include:
Town of Dover Recreation, Youth Sports and Education Opportunity Funding, $24,500 – This program will provide a 16-week after school sports education and youth development program for 150 K-12 children and youth.
Town of Hyde Park, Learn to Swim Program, $7,500 – Provide youth the opportunity to achieve a life-long skills through the instruction of certified American Red Cross Swimming Lesson staff.
Arlington Lacrosse Developmental Club, Inc., Arlington Lacrosse Seeks to Offer More Opportunities in Youth Sports, $20,500 – Expand seasonal programing to include year-round lacrosse clinics free of charge to all youth ages 5-14, encouraging a healthy and physically active lifestyle to all participants.
Town of Pawling Recreation Department, Basketball FUNdamentals, $24,500 – A youth basketball program aims to teach fundamental skills, teamwork and sportsmanship in a positive and fun environment, fostering personal development and a love for the game.
Ramapo for Children, Experiential Social and Emotional Learning Retreats for Dutchess County Nonprofits and/or Schools, $16,500 – Ramapo will offer a minimum of three experiential retreats, for at least 80 Dutchess County youth ages 10-17 from nonprofits and/or schools, which utilize active experiences to strengthen social and emotional learning skills and encourage physical activity.
City of Beacon, Beacon Swim Academy, $6,285 – Community-focused initiative offering free swim lessons to individuals of all ages, with a strong emphasis on water safety, serving 75 to 100 participants under American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Standards.
Northern Dutchess Aquatic Club, Pre-Team and Stroke Clinics, $17,000 – Will offer free, eight-week Pre-Team program for young swimmers ages 6-8 allowing them to experience the joy of competitive swimming; as well as free stroke technique clinics for youth 6-17 with a focus on aspects of competitive swimming to increase swim proficiencies at all levels.
Town of Red Hook, Town of Red Hook Recreation, $15,000 – The Town of Red Hook offers more than 14 different recreational programs to the youth who live within the boundaries of the Red Hook Central School district.
Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, Triple Play Program, $25,000 – Youth will participate in a competitive team sports program that includes instruction and training, physical fitness, nutrition education, and tournament play.
Vassar College, The Poughkeepsie Outing Club, $10,000 – After-school program that engages Poughkeepsie Middle and High School students in physical activity through structured outdoor programming to reduce barriers to outdoor recreation.
