YMCA Awarded Grant from Cox Charities
March 21, 2008
The YMCA of Greater Providence received an award from Cox Charities New England to expand the reach of its “Out of School Time” program at Robert Bailey Elementary School in Providence.
“Thanks to this grant from Cox Charities, we will be able to expand our after school programs,” said YMCA of Greater Providence President & CEO Karen Leslie, “allowing us to reach more children and help them improve their performance in school. We already know that this program has an impact on student success as well as their health and wellness, so it is imperative that we offer the opportunity to even more young children.”
The program provides academic enrichment opportunities for children at Bailey to help them improve their grades and performance. The grant from Cox allows the YMCA of Greater Providence to add additional staff so that new programs may be added and more children enrolled while maintaining low student to staff ratios.
Students who have participated in the program have already shown improvements, particularly in the area of math and language. Other results include improvements in the completion of homework, class participation, volunteering in class, attendance, and cooperation with teachers and other students.
The program offers a range of enrichment opportunities from homework clubs to music activities selected by the student with the assistance of teachers and program staff.