BU Awards Community Grants Supporting Youth Organizations in South End and Roxbury
Boston University today announced two grants of $2,500 to local community organizations offering programs and services that benefit youth in the South End and Roxbury. The two recipients are Boston City Lights and Mandela Resident Cooperative Association, Inc. (MRCA). These organizations work to make a difference in the lives of young people in Boston.
Boston City Lights is a free performing arts and training program designed to develop the artistic abilities of inner city kids. Located in the South End, its committed volunteers and past students teach dance, singing, acting, video production, set design and sound engineering. This grant will allow Boston City Lights to continue to use the arts to empower youth.
Mandela Resident Cooperative Association (MCRA) will use the grant for its 2013 Annual Get Connected Youth Fair, on February 20, 2013. The Annual Get Connected Youth Fair allows local community agencies to connect and provide information to youth, ages 14-24, on a variety of different topics including educational opportunities, job skill readiness training and employment openings. Boston University is excited to assist MCRA continue its valuable work with youth.
“Boston University Medical Campus is committed to helping provide resources for organizations and agencies that have programs that support the youth in our neighborhoods. Boston City Lights and MRCA have outstanding programs that help young people in our city.” said Valeda Britton, Executive Director BU Community Relations/Medical Campus. Ms. Britton also noted that construction has begun on the new Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center at the Blackstone Community Center and expects that the new Fitness Center will open in the beginning months of 2013.
The $2500 community grants are awarded to programs and services that benefit residents of BU’s host communities, with special consideration given to programs that benefit youth. Beautification projects are also encouraged. Funding is intended to supplement the existing budgets of established organizations and agencies.
Last spring, The Yawkey Club of Roxbury-Boys & Girls Club of Boston received a grant in support of their Young Leaders summer program, a seven week program offering 13 and 14 year olds a realistic work environment experience in a summer camp setting, the opportunity to be role models of young children and the chance to acquire new skills and develop leadership abilities. The Young Leaders program encourages students to experience personal growth and develop meaningful relationships with peers and caring adults through travel and exploring the New England region.