NBC10 and Telemundo62 partnered with the NBCUniversal Foundation and donated $100,000 in grants to three local nonprofits in the Philadelphia region as part of the 21st Century Solutions grant challenge.
The winning organization was Mighty Writers, they received $50,000. Camden City Garden Club and Norris Square Neighborhood Project were the runners-up and each received $25,000 grants.
"We're proud to support local nonprofits that are pursing ideas and innovative solutions to help our communities move forward," said Ric Harris, president and general manager of NBC10 and Telemundo62. "This year's 21st Century Solutions grant challenge winners are addressing many real life challenges that our communities face day-to-day and we're excited that these grants will help build stronger communities."
El Futuro's bilingual foundation, Mighty Writers, is focused on educating Spanish-speaking students in Philadelphia and helping them think and write with clarity. Mighty Writers takes two groups of struggling students in grades 2 through 4 and grades 5 through 8, evaluates their skills, and advises them on where they can help. The program has a 62-percent proficiency rate and a 75-percent confidence rate.
The Camden City Garden Club introduces students in Camden City schools to urban farming and healthy eating through an innovative, environmentally focused STEM curriculum. Students are able to hone their science lab skills and enhance their understanding of the natural world around them. The program heightens interest in science-related fields and improves students' diets by having access to healthy foods.
The Norris Square Neighborhood Project helps children develop organizing and advocacy skills through peer-to-peer educational opportunities in food justice, community land preservation, and Latina cultural preservation. Participants lead "Garden Exploration" workshops for their peers weekly and quarterly workshops for neighboring schools.Students learn about gardening, nutrition, and cultural topics while sharing fresh, affordable, chemical-free produce to neighborhood residents.
This is the fifth year that the 21st Century Solutions grant challenge will award $1.2 million to 30 nonprofits across the country.
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The winners were chosen by a community panel created by NBCUniversal stations.
To see the full list of winners from around the country, click here.
