SA Youth Receives Million Dollar Grant from TEA

 

For immediate release: July 17, 2018- San Antonio, TX- San Antonio organization SA Youth has been selected to receive a $1,026,210.00 grant, beginning August 1, 2018. The 2018-2019 Texas 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Cycle 10, Year 1 Grant from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is intended to “support the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.” The organization is one of only two local groups to be selected to receive this grant.

 

Grant funds will be utilized to support programming at all South San Antonio locations as well as assist in supplementing costs at the organization’s Poplar Center, located in 78207. “The 21st Century Grant award is a game changer for SA Youth and the students we serve,” CEO Asia Ciaravino said. “It affords SA Youth the opportunity to be the sole out-of-school time provider for South San ISD and expand programming for SAISD schools at our Poplar Center. Students will see huge impacts on their state testing scores, reading comprehension levels, and will have access to opportunities for development that help them become the leaders of the future!”

 

Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales (District 5) observed that "together, the Century 21 Grant and the work done by SA Youth acknowledge a simple truth, that now more than ever public schools in District 5 and the children that learn in them should know that we believe in them and that we all become better as they're given the chance to better themselves. The enrichment opportunities provided by SA Youth and The Century 21 Grant learning centers are an integral part of the betterment that comes from academic achievement."

 

SA Youth’s prime focus is helping young people achieve academic success, develop their character, and promote healthy lifestyles. They operate several out-of-school sites in more than a dozen distressed neighborhoods for school-age youth and one alternative campus and training center for young adults ages 16-24 who have left the traditional school system. SA Youth is the exclusive out-of-school service provider for South San Antonio Independent School District.

 

“SA Youth has been a valued partner with South San Antonio ISD for numerous years,” stated Michael Balderrama, Executive Director of School and Community Partnerships with South San Antonio ISD. “They have positively impacted the lives of thousands of students and parents in our community. We are excited to continue this partnership for many years to come!”

 

“SA Youth’s commitment to providing a quality afterschool program for students at South San elementary schools is a remarkable investment in the educational opportunities for our children and their families,” Councilman Rey Saldaña (District 4) commented, “The program’s emphasis on academic enrichment and literacy initiatives sets this program apart from others so I commend the work SA Youth has done to enhance and prioritize learning outside of the classroom.”

 

About SA Youth

SA Youth’s prime focus is helping young people achieve academic success, develop their character, and promote healthy lifestyles. For more information about SA Youth, please visit sanantonioyouth.org .

 

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