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21st Century Academy
UNITED WAY DONORS SHIFT TO DESIGNATING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS; LOCAL NONPROFIT FUNDING NEGATIVELY IMPACTED
By Pastor Alika Galloway
Recently the United Way Board and staff made the decision to reduce funding in several key community areas, including funds designated for After School programs. The annual United Way grant to Kwanzaa’s 21st Century Middle School Academy was reduced by 20%. This decision was due to a shortfall in undesignated funds during their annual campaign.
The United Way saw an unexpected increase in donor designations, meaning more and more donors are requesting that their contribution goes to a specific nonprofit, versus a United Way supported initiative.
This results in less money in the United Way’s undesignated funds to be shared among nonprofits, most of which have counted on this funding for many years to run their programs. All United Way funded nonprofits are experiencing a reduction in funding and some will be forced to close their doors as a result. The United Way leadership team has stated that “This is not a judgment on any program but rather a refocusing of where United Way can have the biggest impact with fewer dollars.”
For Kwanzaa’s 21st Century Academy, our reduction in United Way funding will have a significant impact on our summer program. Our summer scholar experience is held for six weeks at MCTC; we serve 80 middle and high school students from north Minneapolis. Our students struggle with issues related to the achievement gap; often reading, writing, and performing math at a significantly lower level than other students.
This tragedy often leads to cyber bullying and an increased suicide risk. According to the CDC, the African American adolescent suicide rate has increased 233% from 2014 to the present. There is a correlation between depression and poor academic achievement. The Achievement Gap is our students’ lived reality.
During the summer, we emphasize a college culture and utilize the arts and science as a fun way to achieve academic competencies. Before receiving the news of the reduction, we were poised to hire a staff member qualified in athletics and personal training, who would also teach academics. Athletic training was to be the stimulus to entice our students (particularly boys) to participate in the program, and accelerated reading and other academic activities were the reward for the student and our city.
When every child in Minneapolis is performing at or above grade level, the data and research are clear that the entire city benefits from reduced crime reduced early pregnancies and a competent electorate. Because of our United Way funding cuts, we cannot hire this staff member with athletic training capabilities, without seeking private donations to fill the gap. Kwanzaa’s 21st Century Academy is not the only nonprofit that is directly impacted by the loss of United Way funding.
However, we ask that you consider investing in us by donating towards our $27,000 goal.
With love and compassion,
Pastor Alika Galloway
You can click either link below to donate:
Please be sure to check out our website: www.21stcentury.academy