Springfield city officials announces more than $420K worth of grants is helping to support local summer programs

More than $420,000 worth of grants is helping to support local summer programs in Springfield. 16 local summer programs in the city are to benefit from this funding. The Jewish Community Center will be part of hosting some of the summer programs.

Officials like Mayor Domenic Sarno and the Springfield Public School Superintendent gathered there on Thursday to make the announcement. This funding was made possible through a multi-grant that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education gave to the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership.

Officials explain the importance of providing these programs to hundreds of youth. “Programs like this afford students who otherwise students and families who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to take advantage of these programs. It gives them access, and that for us is a powerful and moving way to support a community,” said Co-Executive Director for Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership, Matthew Brunell.

Officials add that the programs will also increase student engagement in the classroom and build core life skills. More than 5,000 middle and high school students across Springfield are to benefit from each of the programs.