YMCA Receives Community Impact Grant from New York Life

YMCA Receives Grant from New York LifeYMCA OF GREATER NASHUA RECEIVES COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT FROM NEW YORK LIFE

The YMCA of Greater Nashua announced today that it was awarded a $15,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life.

This grant will support the YMCA’s Power Scholars Academy (PSA), which is an evidence-based curriculum developed by YMCA of the USA and and BellXcel  (Building Educated Leaders for Life) 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. Acoss 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. There are 425 children enrolled in the program this summer in Nashua.

“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. “New York Life is an important partner. With their assistance, 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 encourages its agents and employees to devote their time, energy and talents to support the needs and priorities of their local community,” 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 59 years.

Power Scholars Academy is a free 5-week summer program (from 8am to 3pm) 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. 2019 is the Y’s second 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.

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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, nearly 600 grants totaling nearly $7 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.

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