Akron Community Foundation awards $4.4 million in quarterly grants, approves education funding

Описание: Akron Community Foundation's board of directors recently announced quarterly grants totaling $4.4 million and approved $695,500 in competitive education grants selected by the foundation's Community Investment Committee. A total of 37 organizations received funding during the education cycle.

Among the nonprofits receiving education grants this quarter is Akron Youth Mentorship, which was awarded $7,750 to help provide mentorship, education, and work readiness for local students, along with out-of-school-time offerings like weekly meals and summer programs to help prevent the "summer slide," during which some students fall behind their peers academically.

"Studies have shown that if our students don't get enrichment in the summer, they will drop off and then they will be behind once school starts back again in the fall," said LeShaunte Edwards, executive director of Akron Youth Mentorship, who added that the nonprofit places a strong focus on breaking stigmas around youth violence and unhealthy mindsets within families. "We're trying to point our students in the right direction. We're trying to show them that they have gifts, they have talents, and they don't have to be trapped in their mind and in their environment."

Akron Area YMCA received an education grant for $46,500 to provide early care and education programs to help children better prepare for kindergarten. Participants range in age from 6 weeks to 5 years old, with lesson plans and curricula for all ages. YMCA staff reports that public funding for early childcare has been reduced, creating a strain on families and providers.

"We focus heavily on getting our children kindergarten-ready, and that doesn't start at 4 or 5 – that starts when they come in to us at 6 weeks," said Tammie Jackson, associate executive director and program director for the YMCA's Hope Early Care and Education Center. "I view us as the foundation builders," she added. "And if we miss the mark on our foundation, then our children certainly will fall through the cracks."

The YMCA serves families that qualify for public funds, along with offering a range of scholarships to help families who may not qualify.

"The most important thing, especially with our early care and education centers, is to make sure that the kids are prepared for kindergarten," said Beth Kelley, chief officer of youth advancement for the Akron Area YMCA. "Once kids are on track for kindergarten, they're on track for life."

Also receiving an education grant is the Akron Inner City Soccer Club, which was awarded $15,000 for a year-round youth development soccer program that offers after-school activities, meals and other resources for school-aged children. The nonprofit has been serving the community for nearly 30 years. "(We) give them a positive life outlook," said Dele Olabisi, founder and president of the Akron Inner City Soccer Club. "They are more confident on the field and off the field, and they do well in school." For a full list of education grants approved this quarter, visit www.akroncf.org.