Locally Based Non-profit That Provides After School Programs In Public Schools Gets Major Boost
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia-based non-profit that provides after school programs in nearly a dozen public schools got a $900,000 boost this week.
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant will be distributed in $300,000 increments over the next three years. The money will support the Best Out Of School Time program, also known as BOOST, that serves 230 middle school students in West and North Philadelphia.
Lutheran Children and Family Services' BOOST Program Manager Stacy Leonard, says, "We're going to purchase iPads for all of the kids to use, we're also going to partner with Franklin Institute to provide STEM programming for our kids."
The money will also add a counselor and software to access reading levels. It's a win for many of the kids who view the program as a safe haven.
"We do our homework and when I don't know what to do with my homework, they help me."
Thirteen-year-old Zion attends the Ethel Allen School in Strawberry Mansion.
Reporter: 'What would you be doing if you weren't here?'
Zion: I don't know...probably sitting in the house doing nothing."
The BOOST program is in six elementary schools, four middle schools and one Philadelphia high school.
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