In addition to securing $3.9 million in state funding for local community projects, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler’s office supported the state’s decision to dedicate a funding stream for afterschool programming.
Last week, Fiedler joined Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and other local leaders at the Northeast Frankford Boys & Girls Club to announce 46 grants totaling $11.6 million, under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time program. The state is funding these projects to provide structured programming for at-risk school-age youth.
“This dedicated funding — the first of its kind — will make it possible to bring kids off waitlists and into afterschool programs, retain highly-trained professionals and invest in our collective future,” said Fiedler, co-chair of the House Afterschool Caucus. “No matter what they may face at home or where they live, every student deserves the nurturing environment of an afterschool program. I’m thrilled about this investment in BOOST and can’t wait to advocate for additional funding in years to come.”
The funding includes $3 million in statewide funding for the Pennsylvania Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs and the Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs.
“The No. 1 cause of death for young people in America isn’t cancer or car accidents — it’s guns,” said Davis, who serves as chair of PCCD. “When we invest in afterschool programs, we’re being smart about safety, and we’re saving lives. There’s no more important metric, when we talk about getting stuff done, for the good people of Pennsylvania.”
In Philadelphia, grants ranging from $125,000 to $250,000 were awarded to After School Activities Partnership, ESF Dream Camp Foundation, Girls on the Run Philadelphia, Highway Mission Tabernacle, Philadelphia Education Fund, The Niche Clinic, Tree House Books and University City Science Center.
“As a community, we’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to give kids a safe place to go after school — where they can grow, learn and be surrounded by positive influences,” said Sen. Christine Tartaglione. “That’s why this BOOST funding is so important. It’s a comprehensive approach to addressing gun violence, building safer neighborhoods and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
The announcement piggybacks Fiedler’s 2024 in which nearly $4 million in state funds was awarded to her district for organizations like schools, rec centers, small businesses and nonprofits.
Among those, BAKERHOOPS, a basketball program that doubles as a safe haven for young people to learn life skills and receive mentorship, received $50,000. Since introducing its program several years ago, BAKERHOOPS has helped young people gain leadership skills in addition to athletic skills.
SEAMAAC received a total of $800,000 in state grants, which will be used to help fund office space on Snyder Avenue. It allows SEAMAAC to expand its capacity to support its neighbors across dozens of languages and countries of origin. After 40 years of renting space, SEEMAAC will finally have a permanent home in South Philly.
Murphy Rec received $600,000 to continue facilities upgrades and make the center ADA accessible. Year round, it hosts programming that offers exercise, mentorship and connection for local residents.
Children’s Playhouse, an early learning center that provides kids a stable place to learn and grow, received $50,000 to help fund building repairs, security upgrades and other elements.
IATSE received $1.5 million to fund its training center, including new classroom space. For 130 years, IATSE has represented stagehands and other behind-the-scenes workers in the entertainment industry.
The Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia also received $480,000 to renovate its space and expand its capacity. For more than 40 years, the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia has offered Philly’s Cambodian, refugee and immigrant communities programming to support their employment, education and health.
