HARTFORD, CT — More than 6,300 children, teens and individuals with disabilities across Greater Hartford will have access to free or reduced-cost summer programs this year thanks to nearly $805,000 in grants from the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation.
The foundation announced it awarded $804,893 to 32 organizations supporting summer camps, enrichment programs, tutoring initiatives and counselor-in-training opportunities throughout the region.
The funding is intended to expand educational opportunities, provide affordable childcare for working families and create workforce development experiences for older youth.
Greater Hartford Gives Community Impact Officer Alexis Safo-Agyeman said summer programs provide critical support for families.
“Summer learning programs provide thousands of Hartford families with the opportunity to ensure that their children have a safe and enriching summer experience while allowing parents and caregivers to continue working,” Safo-Agyeman said. “Summer programs also offer older youth with paid employment and skill-building opportunities to enhance their academic, social, and emotional well-being.”
According to the foundation, the grants will help more than 3,600 campers access free or reduced-fee summer programming, transportation and meals.
Another 2,300 youth will benefit from enrichment activities such as museum, library and on-site educational programs. More than 130 Hartford teens will participate in counselor-in-training programs focused on leadership development, mentoring and career exploration.
The funding will also support 365 individuals with disabilities attending summer programs.
Among the recipients is Music at the Red Door, which received a $5,000 grant for its Kids Summer Community Music Camp. The weeklong August program will provide music and dance instruction for 20 Hartford students entering grades 3 through 5 and conclude with a community performance.
“Music at the Red Door is thrilled to receive generous support from Greater Hartford Gives,” said camp counselor Nicholas Capozzoli. “Though just five days long, our annual Kids Community Music Camp makes a deep impression on our young campers who may otherwise not learn how to sing, dance, or play music.”
Levo International received $15,000 to expand its workforce development program, which teaches students about hydroponic agriculture and food production while providing paid employment opportunities. The organization plans to extend the program to include eighth-grade students this summer.
“Levo is pleased with the continued support from Greater Hartford Gives to our programs,” Executive Director Bill Heiden said. “The foundation’s work provides important leverage for strengthening the greater Hartford community.”
Several of the region’s largest summer programs also received funding, including the Boys & Girls Club of Hartford, Camp Courant and Organized Parents Make a Difference, each of which received $50,000.
Other recipients include Hartford Public Library, Hartford Stage, the Connecticut Science Center, Hartford Athletic’s Green & Blue Foundation and the YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford.
Greater Hartford Gives said the grants align with its efforts to increase educational and employment opportunities for Black and Latine residents by supporting affordable childcare, career exposure programs and specialized enrichment opportunities.
The foundation, which has invested more than $1 billion in the region over its 100-year history, said the summer grants are part of its broader mission to address racial and economic barriers and improve quality of life across Greater Hartford.
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