Wellness-focused before and after-school clubs are continuing to thrive in Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS) thanks to a new grant from the PATH Foundation. Previously supported by the ESSER III Set Asides Before and After School Grant, the clubs faced an uncertain future when that funding expired on September 30, 2024. However, CCPS successfully secured a wellness grant through the PATH Foundation to sustain and expand these important programs.
The PATH Wellness grant provides comprehensive support for the club program, covering not only stipends for club sponsors but also club materials. The grant also provides for scholarships for students for programs with fees associated with participation. This ensures that cost is not a barrier for students who want to join activities such as Girls on the Run.
During the Fall 2024 semester, the grant supported a variety of engaging and impactful clubs. Popular offerings included Girls on the Run at our elementary and middle schools, as well as wellness-oriented music, art, and drama clubs that fostered family engagement. These clubs provided students with opportunities to build confidence, express creativity, and develop healthy habits outside of the traditional school day.
As the program moves into Spring 2025, students will have access to additional clubs that promote hands-on learning and personal well-being. Gardening clubs will encourage students to connect with nature while learning about sustainability, and safety clubs will equip them with important life skills.
Looking ahead, CCPS hopes to expand the program further by offering off-site wellness opportunities beyond school buildings. Using CCPS vans, purchased through a previous PATH Foundation grant, the division plans to provide transportation for students to participate in community-based wellness activities, increasing access to activities in new and engaging environments.
CCPS is committed to providing meaningful extracurricular opportunities that support students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Educators interested in launching a wellness club at their school are encouraged to speak with their principal about submitting a request under the PATH Wellness Before and After School Club Grant.
For more information on CCPS wellness, visit the Student Wellness section of the CCPS School Nutrition Services page https://www.culpeperschools.org/page/school-nutrition-services.