$1M allocated for youth hands-on learning experiences
Sixteen funded enrichment providers offer programs focusing on life skills, leadership, physical and mental health, career and personal development, and STEAM skills.
The Children’s Trust of Alachua County is making a big investment in youth development over the next three years, funding 16 program providers offering extracurricular youth enrichment activities, at a total budget of $1 million.
“We know youth benefit from activities that spark their curiosity and creativity, exercise their minds and bodies, and offer a glimpse into potential careers,” said Marsha Kiner, executive director of the Children’s Trust. “These are the goals we had in mind when we released an opportunity for funding Alachua County youth enrichment providers. What we didn’t know was how many positive, valuable ideas our community would have, and our board recognized the impact a larger allocation would allow for our youth.”
As the chair of the Children’s Trust Board, Lee Pinkoson, explained: “We want our children to be successful, expanding their horizons inside and outside the classroom. In order to do that, we are investing in experiences they may not have, if not for this opportunity.”
The programs fall into at least one of the following categories: Health and Wellness, Social Emotional Wellbeing and Awareness, Career Exploration, Leadership, Life Management Skills, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and Arts and Culture. Awardees were selected following a competitive bidding process.
These activities are brought into locations like afterschool programs, summer camps, churches, community centers and more. Youth-serving Alachua County organizations that would like to request the services of these providers can do so regardless of prior affiliation with the Children’s Trust.
“Our goal is to have as many Alachua County youth be exposed to and experience a diverse array of enrichment programming and activities,” Kiner said. “The great thing about these programs is they will come to you. This means we are better able to reach every corner of the county to ensure all our community’s children and youth have every opportunity for engagement and growth.”
For fiscal years 2025-27, the providers are:
- All Well Health Services’ Cadence and Calm
- Crafty Gemini Farms’ Youth Development Program
- Cultural Arts Coalition Science Club
- DJ Elo Global – Let’s DJ Program
- Dream On Purpose DOP REACH
- Gator Junior Golf
- Grace to Overcome
- IGB (I Gotcha Back) Education
- Infinite Dream Builders Corp.
- Lee’s Preschool Center’s Each One Teach One
- Motiv8U of North Central Florida
- Music & Arts Program for Youth
- Santa Fe College’s College Knowledge Program
- Underground Kitchen
- University of Florida’s Florida Museum of Natural History
- University of Florida’s Upward Bound
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/CTACEnrichment.
Photos of our Enrichment providers at a recent Convening, held Nov. 6.
