Inner City Students Receive $750K Commitment from Devils Owner

NEWARK, NJ -- In an effort to provide financial assistance for after school programs in low-income communities in local cities, the Harris Family Charitable Foundation (HFCF) pledged a $750,000 grant to After-School All-Stars (ASAS) on Thursday, November 10 at 13th Avenue Elementary School in Newark.

A joint announcement at the inner city school was made by Josh Harris, managing owner of the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers, ASAS CEO Ben Paul and Regional Director Dax-Devlon Ross.

The grant will be distributed over three cities in three years and will assist the California-based ASAS to expand its reach in the northeast. The three-year plan will benefit programs in the cities of Newark, Philadelphia and potentially Camden as both ASAS and HFCF are exploring options for expanding programming in the South Jersey city.

ASAS serves more than 70,000 boys and girls in 19 cities across the country with comprehensive, evidence-based after-school programming. The organization provides 353 schools in low-income communities with sports, academic, and enrichment programming. Program outcomes include improved academic performance, character development, physical health, and nutritional education.

The 13th Avenue Elementary School in Newark is one of the schools ASAS expanded programming will benefit. ASAS is now providing daily, comprehensive after-school programs to the 150 low-income youths at this location.

At the beginning of January 2017, ASAS will begin programming at an additional Philadelphia school site.

For more information on the non-profit organizations, see below.

About Harris Family Foundation

The mission of the Harris Family Foundation is to improve lives and strengthen communities through the transformative powers of sport and enhanced wellness. Its grant-making is focused on opportunities for at-risk youth, health and wellness initiatives, and community-building programs. The Foundation translates the rigors of a business-oriented approach into philanthropic projects to help elevate grantees’ performance and create “better versions of themselves.” It supports initiatives, including community sports programs, which create a more vibrant community life and opportunities for personal growth.

About After-School All-Stars

Founded in 1992 by Arnold Schwarzenegger, After-School All-Stars (ASAS) is a leading national provider of year-round, school-based, comprehensive after-school programs. The organization’s mission is to keep children safe and help them succeed in school and in life. Every school day, students in low-income communities have access to free programs that offer academic support, enrichment opportunities, and health and fitness activities. More than 70,000 children from 19 U.S. regions benefit: Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Newark, New York, North Texas, Orlando, Philadelphia, Puget Sound, San Antonio, San Francisco Bay Area, South Florida, Tampa, Toledo and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.as-as.org