Every school year tells a story and this one is filled with growth, resilience, and hope.

FCC’s Project Lift is much more than an after-school program. It is a place where children are encouraged, families are supported, and lasting relationships are built. Through caring staff, meaningful mentorship, and evidence-informed programming, Project Lift provides students with the tools they need to succeed not only in the classroom, but in life.

Our 2025–2026 Year-End Project Lift Report highlights the incredible work made possible by our dedicated staff, generous funders, community partners, volunteers, and the Saratoga Springs City School District. Together, we continue to create a safe, welcoming environment where children build confidence, strengthen friendships, develop healthy coping skills, and discover their own potential.

Throughout the school year, Project Lift staff worked alongside students and families to address challenges before they became barriers to success. From daily mentorship and social-emotional learning to family outreach and individualized support, every interaction was an opportunity to help a child feel seen, heard, and valued.

This year’s report celebrates meaningful accomplishments, including:

Increased student attendance and stronger family engagement.
Positive feedback from teachers noting fewer significant behavioral concerns among participating students.
Expanded programming that promotes self-esteem, resilience, communication skills, empathy, and healthy decision-making.
Seasonal initiatives that supported families through back-to-school, holiday assistance, and enrichment opportunities throughout the year.

Perhaps the greatest measure of success cannot be captured by numbers alone. It is found in the trusting relationships our staff build with students, the confidence children gain as they discover their strengths, and the reassurance families feel knowing they have someone walking alongside them. As we look ahead, Project Lift continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our community. New initiatives, including enhanced family engagement and expanded academic support through mentoring, reflect our commitment to helping every child thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

We invite you to explore the 2025–2026 Project Lift Year-End Report and celebrate the remarkable impact that is possible when a community invests in its children. Thank you to everyone who makes this work possible. Together, we are empowering children, strengthening families, and building a brighter future for Saratoga Springs.