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Date: 7/13/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Mayor Domenic Sarno and Executive Directors of the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP) Matt Brunell and Colleen Curran announced a two-year, $3 million grant for the school initiative on June 21.
The grant funds summer afternoon programs, according to the city’s press release. Formed in 2014, SEZP represents a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Springfield Public Schools and the Springfield Education Association. The partnership currently serves 17 schools and 5,300 students in the district.
Last year, SEZP initiated a pilot program that offered summer activities as a means to increase student engagement and reverse learning loss trends. Sarno and Superintendent Daniel Warwick noted the success of the pilot program, which led to the city applying for grant funds to expand the program’s initial offerings.
With the funding, SEZP provided grants for 11 community-based partners, including Community Leaders United By Overcoming Hardship Inc, Springfield Pride Parade Organization, Higher Expectations Sports Complex, Strong Young Minds, Mass. Audubon Society, The Center After School Program, New North Citizen’s Council, the Travis Best Foundation, the South End Community Center, Western Mass. Council, the Boy Scouts of America and the Springfield Ballers.
SEZP oversees the selection and evaluation of the grant alongside their technical service provider Boston Beyond. The funded organizations expect to serve 750 students during the summer, according to the press release.
In his statement, Sarno highlighted how the SEZP’s grant funding provides additional opportunities for students.
“One of the most powerful strengths of the City of Springfield is our unwavering belief that ‘it takes a village.’ We know that our students and families have tremendous strengths, and simply need opportunities to let those strengths shine. I am proud of SEZP and our community partners for being part of the village that supports our Springfield families and children,” said Sarno.
Warwick also thanked the community partners that help enhance SEZP’s mission.
“Springfield is deeply fortunate to have a wealth of community partners to support our students, particularly as we navigate the challenges of COVID[-19]…Through this grant, SEZP can help these community partners deepen the hands-on enrichment in their programs, and serve even more Springfield students,” said Warwick in his statement.
Readers can learn more about SEZP at https://www.springfieldempowerment.org/.