News

New grants awarded to engage youth in out-of-school programs

November 19, 2018

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation recently awarded four grants totaling more than $313 thousand under the Healthy Kids Priority Area – IGNITE initiative.

The goal of the IGNITE Initiative is to improve a range of health outcomes by engaging disconnected youth in the Paso del Norte region in high quality programs during out of school hours. The Health Foundation refers to “disconnected youth” as people between the ages of 7-18 who are not involved in out of school activities or participating in the labor market. Evidence indicates that youth who are involved in out of school programs are less likely to use drugs, alcohol, or be involved in criminal activity. Well-designed youth activities increase protective factors needed for youth to lead healthy and productive lives. Currently, program partnerships have been established throughout the region and policy efforts are underway.

Newly funded organizations are:

Creative Kids, Inc. - $65,065.00
Project ABLE (Art Brokers Learning Experiences)
To maintain the volunteer model, Artists in Residence, for after school and summer visual arts education program in Fabens, Texas.

Organizacion Popular Independiente, A.C. - $133,006.50
Cultura, Arte y Deporte: Jóvenes en acción
To provide out of school programming to 500 disconnected youth in 10 communities throughout southwest Ciudad Juárez, MX.

Patronato del Museo del Niño de Ciudad Juárez, A.C. - $76,852.58
Rodis Junior: Fortalecimiento de las habilidades para la vida en jóvenes desvinculados de Ciudad Juárez
To recruit and train 130 disconnected youth from Ciudad Juárez to serve as museum guides at La Rodadora.

Rio Grande Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging - $38,278.90
Technology Across Generations: Teens and Seniors Connecting through Technology To investigate and develop a plan for delivering the Technology Across Generations project.

For more information on these grants, call Bianca De León at 915-218-2623 or bdeleon@pdnfoundation.org.