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The purpose of this grant is to work with non-profit organization Anvil of Hope to support their sports and dance after-school activity programs for underserved youth at Bell Middle School and Paradise Hills Elementary School.
Southeast San Diego is well known as an area of high poverty and high crime rates. The average child attending schools in this area is considered at-risk due to living in poverty and the high rate of crime surrounding their home and school. Many children live in single parent homes and/or their parents work two jobs, therefore many of these children are unintentionally neglected. There is also a high degree of homelessness due to parents being either incarcerated or neglected due to their parent's addiction problems. At-risk youth growing into their teens can be exposed to fewer opportunities for growth, less positive feedback, and more enticements to form unproductive or harmful relationships. Anvil of Hope's goal is to pro-actively identify young people who are experiencing these situations and expose them to positive re-enforcement through after-school activity programs. If we don't change the trajectory of these children, they will not be prepared for high school and therefore the cycle of poverty will continue.
We know from countless reports and statistics, that sports and dance are invaluable to the positive development of our youth. Besides the obvious benefits of keeping them physically active, these activities offer excellent character-building skills such as discipline and teamwork. It has been known to improve mental, emotional, and social health. Participating in sports and dance also increases self-confidence and academic skills. Youth sports and dance also improves communication skills, develops life and leadership skills.
This grant will allow us to continue our breakdancing class at Paradise Hills, and girls baseball and ballet folklorico classes at Bell Middle School. The grant will also be used for equipment and transportation for these programs. These programs together serve more than 100 students.
The positive energy and excitement created by these programs will inspire other youth to get involved in baseball, dance, or Anvil of Hope's other enrichment programs. By highly engaging and motivating students at Paradise Hills and Bell, they will be set up for success in high school. They are more likely to continue this positive tradition which in turn will improve their chances for success beyond high school. Their success has a positive impact on the community.
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