News release from mayor’s office:
Congratulations to the Bridgeport Lighthouse Program in winning the 2017-2019 State Funded After School Grants! The City of Bridgeport announced today that the Lighthouse Program was awarded nearly $500,000 for their After School Program. The Lighthouse Program applied for three state grants to support after school activities in nine locations. All three grants were awarded the maximum amount available for each, $161,960.
“I am extremely proud of the Bridgeport Lighthouse Program and the services they have been providing for the children and teens in our City for several decades,” said Mayor Ganim. “With this state grant assistance, Bridgeport looks forward to continuing our nationally recognized program and facilitating after-school activities to benefit our young people and their families.
Director of Youth Services Tammy Papa said, “Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of agency partners, school administrators, site coordinators and staff. Lighthouse is fortunate to once again be the recipient of state after school funds and we thank the state for having the confidence in our ability to serve children and families in a safe and supportive after school and summer environment.”
In total, Lighthouse will be receiving $485,880.00 for each of two years barring any state decrease in funding during the second year of the biennial budget. The funds will support partnerships with Discovery Museum, Kennedy Center, Neighborhood Studios, Maritime Center, Action for Bridgeport Community Development and the YMCA among others and enable the continuation of science, math & art enrichment, homework support, recreation and special needs services.
Maybe now they can afford to reimburse the city for use of the schools. That would be super!
Maybe not! You think that had the BOE won the Grant money instead of the Lighthouse Program, they would agree to pay rent?