State grants totaling $11 million will be used to expand after-school programs throughout the region, including several in Chester County, write Kristen A. Graham and Maddie Hanna for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The funds are provided by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and aim to provide after-school and summer opportunities for disadvantaged students, including those living in poverty and struggling with academics.
“The number one cause of death for young people in America isn’t cancer or car accidents – it’s guns,” said Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis in a statement. “When we invest in after-school programs, we’re being smart about safety, and we’re saving lives.”
Arts Holding Hands and Hearts will receive $141,000 to expand trauma-informed restorative arts and mindfulness programming aimed at youth “involved in, impacted by, or at risk of entering the juvenile justice system in Chester County.”
Additionally, Chester County Economic Development Foundation was awarded $218,135 for the RISE project aimed at boosting career readiness for students at Coatesville Area High School.
Downingtown Community Education Foundation’s after-school and summer programming supporting academic support, student engagement, and parent involvement will receive a boost of $100,000.
Finally, a grant of $250,000 will help Parkesburg Point Youth Center expand an after-school program offering academic enrichment, mentorship, and much more.
Read more about the grants for Chester County after-school programs in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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