(In photo left to right): New York Life Agent Earl Prolman, New York Life’s Customer Service Liaison and Operations Manager Ann Peters, New York Life Agent Brian Keane. (Prolman, Keane and Peters are associated with New York Life’s New Hampshire General Office), along with children of the Power Scholars Academy program at Fairgrounds Elementary School in Nashua.
The YMCA of Greater Nashua announced today that it has been awarded a $25,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life.
This grant supports the YMCA’s Power Scholars Academy (PSA), which is an evidence-based curriculum developed by YMCA of the USA and Building Educated Leaders for Life (BellXcel) proven to help under-performing at-risk youth gain ground in reading, writing, STEM and math, as well as foster physical, social and emotional growth.
Across the country, BellXcel serves children who are struggling in school and would otherwise lack access to high-quality summer learning opportunities. The average scholar beginning BellXcel is performing between one and two years below grade level and is often at risk of retention in-grade due to academic under-performance, behavior issues, and school disengagement.
“We are grateful for New York Life’s investment in Power Scholars Academy, which will change many lives for the better,” said YMCA CEO Mike LaChance. “We appreciate our long -time volunteer and Trustee Earl Prolman for nominating the YMCA of Greater Nashua to apply for this Community Impact Grant from New York Life. With these funds, we are able to grow the program to reach more students in Nashua. Power Scholars Academy helps students gain core skills, gain a thirst for higher learning, and develop caring relationships with adults and peers.”
“I’m proud to work for a company that recognizes the philanthropic involvement of its workforce in communities across the country. As an agent with New York Life, I was able to earn a $25,000 Community Impact Grant based on my time, talent and financial contributions to the YMCA of Greater Nashua .” said Earl Prolman, agent of the company’s New Hampshire General Office. “We are pleased that our partnership will have a long-lasting impact on the YMCA and the youth they serve.” Mr. Prolman is a member of the YMCA’s Board of Trustees and has been a YMCA volunteer for over 60 years.
One hundred percent of YMCA’s Power Scholars Academy in Nashua serves children from low income families who are performing below grade level. There are 330 children enrolled in the program this summer in Nashua. The goal of the program is to stop the 2.5 to 3 month summer learning loss over this five week period.
Power Scholars Academy is a free 5-week summer program (from 8:30am to 3:30pm) run by the YMCA of Greater Nashua by hiring 53 certified teachers, aides and enrichment staff. The Nashua School District is a partner. The program takes place at three Nashua schools (Fairgrounds Elementary School, Amherst Street Elementary School, and Nashua High North.) Scholars are served breakfast, lunch and snacks daily which is crucial as many low-income students face food insecurity during the summer months. 2023 is the Y’s sixth summer of PSA in Nashua. The curriculum includes daily blocks of 90 minutes each of literacy and math that are aligned with college and career readiness standards. These skills building blocks for STEM learning and career exploration that is part of PSA.
The Community Impact Grant program awards grants of up to $25,000 to local nonprofit organizations, which are championed by New York Life agents and employees. Since the program’s inception in 2008, more than 770 grants totaling more than $10 million have been awarded to nonprofits across the country.
About the YMCA of Greater Nashua: The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Nashua facilities, located in both Nashua and Merrimack, engage over 35,000 men, women and children annually – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. For more information about the Y visit www.nmymca.org.