Jeffers Hill PTA Receives YEP! Grant
Intro
The Jeffers Hill Elementary School PTA is proud to be a recipient of the Howard County Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) Grant.
This funding allows us to expand free, high-quality enrichment programming for our students — including our 2026 school-wide production of Lion King Kids.
The YEP! Grant is a Howard County initiative that supports free, out-of-school programming for youth, helping students stay engaged, build relationships, and access enrichment opportunities.
Lion King Kids: A School-Wide Production
Through the YEP! grant, we are partnering with Drama Learning Center to bring a school-wide theater program to Jeffers Hill students.
This 10–12 week after-school program will culminate in two live performances for our community and includes both on-stage and behind-the-scenes opportunities for student participation.
Students selected through auditions are participating as performers, while additional students are engaged in production roles such as set design, painting, costume creation, and technical support in collaboration with our art teacher.
Together, students are building confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills while contributing to a shared production experience.
Access & Participation
Participation in this program was offered at no cost to families, made possible through YEP! grant funding. In previous years, similar programs have cost families nearly $200 per student, creating a barrier for many..
With this funding, all students had the opportunity to participate regardless of financial circumstances, with additional opportunities to be involved both on stage and behind the scenes.
Information about participation was shared through school communications, PTA newsletters, and flyers sent home to ensure all families had access to the opportunity.
For questions about current or future enrichment programs, please contact the PTA at jhesptainfo@gmail.com.
Program Timeline & Performances
The program runs throughout the spring and concludes with two live performances for the Jeffers Hill community, on June 2nd and 3rd. The Jeffers Hill PTA is working with local business and universities to enhance community participation.