ROYERSFORD − January 17, 2025 − State Sen. Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks) today announced that four organizations in Senate District 44 have received over $700,000 in state funding through the Building Opportunity through Out-Of-School Time (BOOST) Grant Program.
The funding, awarded earlier this week by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), will be used to expand out-of-school-time structured programming opportunities for at-risk school-age youth throughout Chester County. Funding was eligible to support structured programs or activities with engaged mentors and evidence-based/informed practices provided to school-age youth before school, after school, or during the summer.
“The importance and impact of quality afterschool programs and opportunities cannot be understated and I am so grateful that our Commonwealth is investing in these programs in SD44 and across the state,” Muth said. “This programming helps ensure that all students have a safe place to learn, grow, and socialize in all our communities when the school day ends. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of all of these grant recipients to give all students an opportunity to thrive.”
The following organizations were awarded funding across SD44:
- Parkesburg Point Youth Center received $250,000 to enhance and expand its out-of-school time program by increasing the organization’s capacity to accommodate increased participation. The program focuses on improving social, emotional, academic, and career readiness outcomes for 1,000 at-risk/low-income youth in their community.
- Chester County Economic Development Foundation received $218,135 for the RISE (Readiness Increases Skills & Employability) project. The funding will help create a structured out-of-school program aimed at enhancing career readiness for over 1,600 underserved students at Coatesville Area High School. This initiative involves a series of activities, including a Career Interest Survey, a Career Fair, After School Mini-camps, and Work-based Learning opportunities, designed to empower students with the skills and experiences necessary for future employment.
- Arts Holding Hands and Hearts received $141,000 to expand their trauma-informed Restorative Justice programming for 630 at-risk school-age youth involved in, impacted by, or at risk of entering the juvenile justice system in Chester County.
- Downingtown Community Education Foundation received $100,000 to launch an afterschool and summer program in the Downingtown Area School District at the four Title 1 schools and schools identified for school improvement. The program aims to support academic success, student engagement and parent involvement to support learning. The Parkesburg Point Youth Center, Inc
The local funding was part of an $11.5 million investment in the Building Opportunity through Out-of-School (BOOST) program approved earlier this week by PCCD. The funding was included in the 2024-25 state budget.
For additional information on PCCD’s BOOST Grant Program visit the PCCD website.