The Fox Valley Park District (FVPD) is continuing its longstanding commitment to youth enrichment with the launch of its new EPIC after-school program, which includes scholarship opportunities to support families in need through a $330,800 grant from the Dunham Foundation.
For 13 years, FVPD, through its Fox Valley Park Foundation, partnered with Communities in Schools to offer the MyTime after-school programming at West Aurora School District 129 elementary schools. Funded by the federal 21st Century Grant, MyTime provided creative, academic, and social-emotional support for students while giving working caregivers a safe and reliable after-school option.
When the final grant cycle ended, FVPD faced uncertainty about future funding. Determined to continue serving families, District officials created EPIC—a new, self-sustaining program for kindergarten through fifth-grade students at Smith, Schneider, Nicholson, and Hall elementary schools.
“We really wanted to focus on enrichment opportunities for students,” said Becky Harling, FVPD recreation superintendent. “That’s where the word ‘EPIC’ comes from—Explore, Play, Imagine, and Connect. It’s about helping students grow creatively, socially, physically, and academically.”
A new chapter of after-school support
Following the school district calendar, EPIC programming runs Monday through Friday from school dismissal until 5:30 p.m.. Officially launched in August, the program allows students to participate in games, crafts, physical activity, social-emotional learning, and homework time in a safe, engaging environment.
“Having reliable, high-quality after-school programs in our elementary schools makes such a difference for our students,” said Angie Smith, associate superintendent of operations in West Aurora schools.
Unlike MyTime, which was fully grant-funded and free, FVPD officials developed a three-tier fee structure to maintain affordability and sustainability:
General fee: $240/month
Access fee, level 1: $120/month (families receiving aid such as SNAP or CCAP with income above the poverty line)
Access fee, level 2: $60/month (families below the poverty line)
This model ensures access for all families while supporting the program’s long-term viability.
Dunham Foundation expands access
To help sustain EPIC, FVPD initially applied for a $50,000 Dunham Foundation grant. After several discussions, Dunham Foundation officials focused on student access rather than program costs. And with board approval, the Dunham Foundation ultimately awarded $330,800, funding full scholarships for children at the four participating schools who qualify for either reduced-rate tier.
“When Fox Valley Park District approached us, we saw an opportunity to make a real difference in how families access after-school programming,” said Vicki Morcos, president & CEO of the Dunham Foundation. “Rather than simply covering general programming costs, we wanted to ensure that no child or family would be without quality after-school programming due to financial barriers. By funding full scholarships for families who need them most, we’re not just supporting a program—we’re investing in educational equity and making sure every student has the chance to explore, play, imagine, and connect alongside their peers.”
For more information about EPIC after-school programming, visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/programs-events/epic-after-school-program.
— The Fox Valley Park District