Napa Valley Vintners Pledge $1.2 Million to Expand Afterschool Programs for Local Youth

Napa Valley Vintners, a nonprofit trade association representing nearly 550 local wineries, has announced a $1.2 million investment to support afterschool programs throughout Napa County. The funding is expected to benefit more than 8,500 students during the current school year, providing them with access to safe and supportive environments beyond regular school hours.

The grants are part of the organization’s Youth Wellness Initiative, which aims to help young people in Napa County lead healthy and balanced lives. The initiative focuses on meeting children’s needs at school, at home, and in the community. This latest round of funding follows an earlier announcement in August, when Napa Valley Vintners committed $2 million to programs operating on school campuses.

Several local organizations are among the recipients of the new grants. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley received $660,000, bringing the total support from Napa Valley Vintners to $8.8 million since 1999. The clubs operate afterschool programs at 10 school campuses, two clubhouses, and a teen center in Napa and American Canyon, serving about 5,000 students each year. Their programs offer academic support, physical activities, STEM learning opportunities, and social-emotional development.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga were awarded $271,000. Over the past 26 years, they have received $5.9 million from Napa Valley Vintners. These clubs provide afterschool care at six locations in Up Valley communities, supporting 1,300 students with academic help, physical activities, and programs focused on healthy lifestyles and character development.

Aim High, an organization that works with middle school students to close achievement gaps and build academic confidence, was granted $80,000. Since 2015, Aim High has received $785,000 from Napa Valley Vintners. The program serves students in grades five through eight and helps them develop skills needed for success in school and life.

Girls on the Run received $60,000 in this round of funding. The organization has been supported by Napa Valley Vintners for 14 years, with total contributions reaching $530,000. Girls on the Run encourages positive mindsets and physical health among girls through teamwork and ends each season with a 5K run to build confidence.

The Napa River Ecology Center in American Canyon was awarded $80,000. Since 2019, the center has received $130,000 from Napa Valley Vintners. The center offers nature-based educational experiences and leadership programs for children and families near local schools and youth clubs.

Jeniffer Menendez, a local mother and former coach with Girls on the Run, described the impact of these programs on her family. She said her children came home happier and more curious after participating in afterschool activities.

Napa Valley Vintners has a long history of investing in the community. Since its founding in 1944, the organization has contributed more than $245 million to community health, youth development, and environmental stewardship in Napa County.

Upcoming fundraising events to support the Youth Wellness Initiative include the Fine Wines & Experiences online auction from October 10 to 17, 2025; The Boca Raton Artisans of Wine & Food event from January 15 to 18, 2026; and Auction Napa Valley on June 5 and 6, 2026.

For more information about Napa Valley Vintners’ community investments or to receive updates about future events and initiatives, interested parties can visit collectivenapavalley.org or napavintners.com.