Orlando, Fla. – (Feb. 10, 2016) – The YMCA of Central Florida today announced that it has received a $45,000 grant through the Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF), a McCormick Foundation Fund, to support YMCA Teen Achievers.
The grant will be used to improve college and career readiness among teens living in Orlando’s Holden Heights community and attending Jones High School and Memorial Middle School.
Over the past 25 years, YMCA Teen Achievers has provided extra mentoring, academic support, college and career preparation, and opportunities to grow and build character to nearly 12,000 young people. Of that number, 90% of students have gone on to earn college degrees, gain career certifications or join the military. YMCA Teen Achievers is part of a portfolio YMCA Youth Development programs designed to help children thrive at every stage of life, from cradle to career.
“The YMCA of Central Florida is deeply grateful to the Orlando Magic Youth Fund and the McCormick Foundation for this generous grant,” said Shannon Matthews, YMCA Vice President of Youth Development. “With a proven track record of helping youth attain their college and career dreams, YMCA Teen Achievers will be able to serve even more young people, many of whom may well become the first ones in their families to attend college.”
The grant was announced during a surprise ceremony held on Jan. 20, 2016, at the Amway Center. The OMYF All Star Team was announced in the spirit of the NBA draft as the Y of Central Florida and 17 other nonprofit organizations were recognized and presented with an OMFY jersey or specialty basketball.
Over the past 26 years, nearly $20 million has been distributed to local nonprofit organizations through the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation and the Orlando Magic Youth Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund since 1994. The McCormick Foundation matches all donations to the fund at 50 cents on the dollar.
About the YMCA of Central Florida
The YMCA of Central Florida is one of the area’s largest nonprofits committed to strengthening communities across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard and Marion counties with services in more than 100 neighborhoods. It is a diverse organization of men, women and children joined by a shared commitment to Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Each day about 35,000 Central Florida residents are impacted by the Y when a mentor inspires a child, individuals make healthy choices and a community comes together for common good. In 2015, this YMCA Association of over 1,800 employees impacted over 235,000 residents and invested more than $10.2 million in its local communities. The YMCA of Central Florida also provided $9.2 million in financial assistance to children and families. For more information, visit www.ymcacentralflorida.org.
About the Orlando Magic Youth Fund
The Orlando Magic Youth Fund is committed to helping children in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at risk, by supporting nonprofit organizations offering youth-based programs in the areas of education, housing, and health and wellness programs that promote healthy living practices for children and families in low-income communities. For more information, visit www.omyf.org.