The George Jenkins Foundation Youth Opportunity Grant, administered by United Way of Central Florida, is designed to support educational programming for students in Polk County Public Schools. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to create equitable opportunities for youth, primarily by addressing the underlying causes of child maltreatment and promoting positive developmental outcomes. The grant seeks to foster environments where students can thrive, reflecting a strategic priority to intervene early in the lives of vulnerable youth and reduce systemic disparities in access to resources and opportunities.
The target beneficiaries of this grant are students in Title I schools within Polk County, Florida, with a particular preference for those in Kindergarten through 8th grade. These students are often disproportionately affected by critical social determinants of health, including food insecurity, limited access to mental and behavioral health services, and a scarcity of educational resources. The grant's impact goals are to mitigate the negative effects of these conditions, such as chronic absenteeism, academic underperformance, and behavioral challenges, which can lead to long-term adverse outcomes for students.
The program prioritizes innovative and inclusive educational programs that increase public access and engagement for students in Title I schools. The focus is on proposals that can demonstrate measurable impact in key areas. These include reducing absenteeism and truancy, improving student behavior, decreasing suspensions, enhancing self-regulation, implementing de-escalation strategies, and improving academic outcomes. Programs can be conducted either on or off campus, provided they meet these stringent guidelines and demonstrate alignment with the grant's objectives.
The expected outcomes are a significant reduction in disparities and the cultivation of environments where students can flourish. The theory of change underpinning this grant suggests that by supporting high-impact educational programming, early intervention can effectively address root causes of disadvantage and promote positive long-term trajectories for students. Measurable results are a core component of the grant's criteria, requiring applicants to provide evidence of improved student well-being and academic success. A letter of support from participating schools is also required, ensuring community engagement and a collaborative approach to student development.
