Upcoming Events

Closure Dates 

5/25/26- Memorial Day Weekend

June 12, 2026 is the last day of Project Promise

Project Promise Director Alisha Langill and staff member Heather Gosson recently represented New Hampshire at National Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., on March 11, 2026. The event brought together more than 200 afterschool and summer learning advocates from all 50 states, along with national leaders from the Afterschool Alliance.

During their time on Capitol Hill, Langill and Gosson, along with representatives from the New Hampshire Afterschool Network, met with legislative offices to advocate for increased support for out-of-school time programs. A key focus of their advocacy was increasing funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) program, which has not seen an increase since 2019. They also advocated for increased funding through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) to expand access to afterschool programs and support additional hours for students and families.

“Since attending Advocacy Day, we’ve received confirmation that Congressman Chris Pappas has signed onto appropriations letters supporting both 21CCLC and CCDBG funding,” said Langill. “This is exciting and encouraging news for the future of afterschool programs.”  

“Across the country, afterschool programs create opportunities for young people to learn, explore, and grow when the school day ends,” said the New Hampshire Afterschool Network. “It's inspiring to stand alongside youth leaders, educators, and partners from across the nation who are committed to strengthening out-of-school time programs.”

“As someone working closely with programs across New Hampshire through the Afterschool Network, I see every day how critical afterschool is for families,” said Sonjia Tainter. “Being able to bring those real stories directly to our congressional delegation was both powerful and necessary.”

Looking ahead, Project Promise hopes to grow its offerings by adding additional STEM opportunities and workforce programs for students. The program also plans to involve its Youth & Government ELO Club at Newfound Regional High School in next year’s Advocacy Day, aiming to amplify youth voices on Capitol Hill.

“We will really look into how we can make this trip happen for our students,” said Langill. “We will need to come up with some additional funding to help support this adventure, but I am confident we can make it happen.”

Gosson emphasized the importance of advocacy and student opportunity. “After reflecting on my time at Capitol Hill, I was reminded that we all have a voice. It was great to advocate for our youth. Afterschool is not just an extra in our children's lives—it is a place where they can learn, grow, and be inspired beyond the classroom. Our children deserve this opportunity to open their minds and thrive.”

In addition to their advocacy efforts, Langill and Gosson participated in a three-day professional development conference hosted by the National Afterschool Association, which provided training, resources, and collaboration opportunities to strengthen afterschool and summer learning programs nationwide.

Project Promise continues to serve students in the Newfound area by offering a wide range of academic support and enrichment activities. Their participation in Advocacy Day underscores their commitment not only to local youth, but also to advancing quality out-of-school time programs across the country.