PNNOnline.org

The New York Life Foundation announced today a $1.6 million two-year grant to the Developmental Studies Center to expand access to its Afterschool KidzLit and Afterschool KidzMath enrichment programs nationally. This follows previous funding from the Foundation of more than $700,000 in 2007 and $2,400,000 in 2008.

At least 800 sites will now be able to participate each year, resulting in over 3,000 sites nationally that will be enriched by KidzLit and KidzMath.

“With this grant, the New York Life Foundation is making it possible for deserving youth across the country to get what they need during the after-school hours—academic support that is engaging and challenging, and social support that enables them to become caring, principled, and responsible,” said Eric Schaps, president, Developmental Studies Center.

“The New York Life Foundation is proud to support research-proven programs that help youth to become as knowledgeable, thoughtful, principled, and caring as possible,” said Chris Park, president, New York Life Foundation. “DSC’s reading and math enrichment programs help students build the skills they will need to succeed later in life.”

KidzLit is a K–8 reading enrichment and social development program built around 180 popular children’s books featuring diverse cultures and settings. KidzMath is a K– 6 math enrichment and social development program built around a mix of 50 collaborative games and 20 math-related storybooks. All after-school sites considered high-need sites (serving 50 percent or more disadvantaged children) receive a 25 percent discount on materials. Sites wishing to participate but not considered high-need receive a 10 percent discount. All sites receive free professional development for two or three of their staff members at 30 workshops across the country DSC staff provides each year.