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Arts Grant: Spells Writing Lab
Spells believes in the power of literacy to transform the lives of students both in the classroom and in life. Their programs incorporate creative and artistic disciplines such as music, film, and visual arts to inspire young writers. Their programs include classroom visits, weekend workshops, a six-week summer day camp, and after-school writing programs. By incorporating art into the writing process, they are able to transform a classroom into a lively and engaging writing laboratory that helps reluctant writers experiment and find joy in the writing process. Funding from Spruce will support the expansion and viability of their programs.
Virtual Writing Workshop: A new series of live-streamed workshops on Facebook every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am through May. We’ll be sharing free, engaging, creative writing enrichment activities aimed at kids ages 7–12, often with STEM or historical concepts incorporated!
Check out their incredible work: http://phillyspells.org/
Education: West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution (WPFSI)
WPFSI’s mission is to facilitate economic empowerment, self-sufficiency, and increase employment opportunities for all disadvantaged entrepreneurs in Philadelphia. The WesGold Fellows program for youth began in 2007 and is a paid internship program that teaches personal and professional development through finance, real estate, and entrepreneurship.
The WesGold Fellows program will use funding from Spruce to expand their program and increase student participation. Thanks to your contributions, students will develop the following skills: positive self-identity; resourcefulness; public speaking; entrepreneurship; money management; college/career planning; and business and real estate basics.
If you’d like to learn more about their work, or if you know a student that should apply to their youth program please visit WesGold Fellows.
Health & Wellness: Thomas & Woods Foundation (TWF)
Thomas & Woods Foundation’s mission is to promote the health and wellbeing of at-risk Philadelphia youth by engaging them in athletic, civic, and educational activities that are designed to build life skills and create future leaders. This week-long basketball camp has expanded to include college-oriented programs and an oratorical contest.
TWF intends to use the Spruce grant to expand its camps and reach more students. Their program is a community that provides vulnerable youth with access to successful role models.
If you’d like to learn more, please visit https://www.thomasandwoodsfoundation.org/
LGBTQ+: Philly Gay Men’s Chorus
Philly Gay Men’s Chorus believes in open acceptance and creating a supportive community through exceptional musical performance. Their youth outreach program is a way for them to perform concerts for students with a focus on fostering understanding and personal growth for teenage audiences. This inspires LGBT youth to feel proud and is an opportunity for non-LGBT students to confront prejudice and create a safe environment for others.
Funding from Spruce will allow PGMC to continue its youth outreach program. Check out their incredible work: http://www.pgmc.org/