Inside Acceleration Tutoring Center Awarded $45,000+ OST Grant to Expand Student Support, Community Impact, Affordability, and Student Success

                   Flint, MI — Inside Acceleration Tutoring Center is proud to announce that it has been awarded more than $45,000 through the competitive Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant Program administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). This funding is part of a statewide investment of over $73 million to expand high-quality learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom for Michigan students.

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      This OST grant supports before-school, after-school, and summer programming for K-12 learners, designed to boost academic performance, foster enrichment, and provide safe, engaging spaces for students outside normal school hours. Eligible OST programming focuses on hands-on academic support, enrichment activities, and opportunities that help young people develop skills for long-term success.

Supporting Students, Families, and Staff

          At Inside Acceleration, this OST grant has enabled meaningful expansion in several key areas:

Academic Acceleration & Enrichment
The funding has strengthened our tutoring programs — providing extended instructional time in core subjects like math, reading, and writing, helping students build confidence and close learning gaps.

Community & Family Support
Families now have access to structured after-school and summer options that reduce childcare burdens and increase opportunities for students to stay engaged in learning year-round.

Increased Student Engagement
By offering expanded program hours, students are exploring new areas of interest — from literacy and STEM activities to leadership and creativity — increasing motivation and participation.

Support for Our Team
The grant has also helped Inside Acceleration enhance staff training and professional development, enabling tutors and program leaders to bring high-quality, evidence-based strategies directly into our classroom environments.

A Win for the Whole Community

       “Receiving this OST grant has been transformative,” said Mrs. Esha Brown, Executive Director and founder of Inside Acceleration Tutoring Center. “It strengthens our mission to accelerate learning and empowers us to meet students where they are — academically, socially, and emotionally. We are deeply grateful for the state’s investment in Michigan’s children and for the opportunity to expand services that positively impact families across our community.” “This grant didn’t just fund programming — it expanded opportunity,” said Mrs. Brown. “We’ve been able to lower costs, increase learning time, feed our students, and remove summer barriers. That’s real impact for families.”

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    State OST funding is part of a broader effort to ensure children have safe, enriching learning opportunities outside the school day and during the summer — helping them thrive academically and beyond. Programs funded through this initiative provide meaningful enrichment, mentorship, academic support, and activities that help students succeed in school and in life.

As Inside Acceleration continues to leverage this grant, plans are underway to further expand student enrollment, deepen enrichment partnerships, and enhance experiences that reinforce learning year-round.

Making High-Quality Tutoring More Affordable

     Because of this grant funding, Inside Acceleration has been able to:

• Reduce monthly tuition from $150 to just $80 per month, making exceptional tutoring significantly more accessible for working families.

• Extend daily sessions from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 full hours, while maintaining four days per week of structured academic programming.

• Transition the summer program from $65 per student to completely FREE, eliminating financial barriers during critical summer learning months.

• Provide snacks at every session, ensuring students are nourished, focused, and ready to learn.

These enhancements allow IATC to serve more families without compromising quality — and in fact, expanding it.

What’s Next: Free Transportation for Genesee County Students

    With tuition reduced and programming expanded, IATC’s next major goal is launching our free transportation program throughout Genesee County.

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The vision:
To pick students up directly from their schools and transport them safely to Inside Acceleration Tutoring Center — ensuring that exceptional tutoring is accessible regardless of a family’s transportation limitations.

Transportation has long been one of the biggest barriers to after-school enrichment. By eliminating that obstacle, IATC aims to ensure students across Genesee County can fully access high-quality academic support, regardless of zip code.

A Growing Investment in Local Youth

    For Inside Acceleration Tutoring Center, the $45,000+ award represents more than funding — it represents growth, equity, and expanded opportunity for children who deserve every chance to thrive.

As IATC continues to build partnerships and expand its reach, one thing remains clear: the mission to accelerate learning and uplift families across Genesee County is stronger than ever.