Announcing the 2024 Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Community Grant Recipient!
We are thrilled to announce the 2024 recipient of our annual Community Grant: The Teen Experience Improvement Project by the Bethlehem Boys & Girls Club. This year's grant is $10,000. Funding for this grant is provided through the Hartman-Hansen endowments at Lehigh Valley Community Foundation &The Rotary Foundation, as well as our Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Charitable Organization.
Each year, this grant is awarded to a local organization that aligns with one of Rotary International’s seven areas of focus. This year, our committee prioritized initiatives emphasizing education and economic and community development. After carefully reviewing applications from 16 organizations, the Teen Experience Improvement Project was selected for its transformative approach to supporting youth development in our community. The review committee members were Sheila Seifert, Robin Metzler, Taylor Breinich, Rodney Conn & Susan Burnett.
About the Teen Experience Improvement Project
This initiative is designed to enhance the educational and life skills of teens by addressing three critical areas:
- Technology Access: The grant will fund the purchase of iPads, Apple Pencils, and a desktop computer, giving teens the tools to explore digital art, coding, and other creative pursuits.
- Life & Career Preparedness: Programs such as financial literacy and career planning will empower teens with essential skills for their futures.
- Food Security: Funds will also support regular meals and snacks for club members, addressing a vital need for many families in our area.
Why This Project Matters
The grant application highlighted significant gaps in resources for teens, including technology access, life skills training, and food security. The staff of the Bethlehem Boys & Girls Club received input from teens, staff, families, and local schools, emphasizing the need for more tailored support. Programs like Career Launch and Money Matters were shown to have a positive impact, and this new initiative builds on that success. With 79% of club members qualifying for free or reduced-price school lunches, the application underscored food insecurity as a critical concern. This project is designed to address these challenges, paving the way for a brighter future for our community’s youth.
Sustainability and Future Impact
The Boys & Girls Club is committed to sustaining this project through partnerships, regular evaluations, and strategic planning. By demonstrating early success, they aim to attract additional funding and expand the program’s reach.
Together, we are creating lasting change—one grant at a time!
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