Just Announced - Major Grant Secured in Partnership Senator Nikil Saval + Representative Fiedler

Sunrise is proud to announce a major grant award, secured in partnership with the offices of State Senator Nikil Saval and State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler, totaling $200,000 in funds for out-of-school time programs across South and West Philadelphia.

“These dollars are going to provide critical supports where Philadelphia students and families need them most,” says Vince Litrenta, co-founder and Executive Director at Sunrise of Philadelphia. “With this funding, we will strengthen opportunities for young people to learn and grow academically, socially, and emotionally. This grant sends a clear message that Senator Saval and Representative Fiedler are committed to prioritizing afterschool programs and recognize their role in addressing the complex issues our youth are grappling with today, including systemic poverty and gun violence.”

The grant, funded through dollars within the state budget, is aimed at directly impacting the quality of Sunrise’s out-of-school time (OST) programs. It will provide direct funding for new supplies and equipment, technology, college and career readiness experiences, infrastructure, professional development opportunities, and promote the value and availability of afterschool and summer programs across the city and state.

Programs like Sunrise rely on support from state and local governments to provide the kind of quality care that our communities rely on. Currently, Pennsylvania is one of only 19 states which offer no guaranteed state funding for OST programs. City and state leaders must continue to prioritize funding for the programs around the state of PA that are keeping students engaged outside of school hours. Research shows that in PA, OST programs have a return on investment of approximately $6.69 for each $1 spent through reduction of high school dropout rates, teen pregnancy, substance use disorder, crime, and delinquency.

This grant marks a major milestone in Sunrise’s 23 year history. Sunrise extends a Huge thank you to Senator Saval and Representative Fiedler for their continued partnership and for their commitment to the high-quality OST programming that is keeping our community thriving. We look forward to continuing our work as true community partners, promoting afterschool opportunities and investing in Philadelphia students and their futures.

Join us on October 20th at the 5th annual Sunrise Fundraiser and Lights on Afterschool Celebration for remarks from Rep Fiedler, Senator Saval, Sunrise Co-founder Vince Litrenta and more to mark the occasion.

Get Tickets Here