United Way of Southwest Louisiana is proud to announce the award of its 2024 Summer Impact Grants to seven local nonprofits. These grants will provide tuition assistance for children from ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families, ensuring they can access educational opportunities during the summer months.

The Summer Impact Grant aims to bridge the educational gap for children from low—to moderate-income families by offering continuity in learning and engagement through various summer programs. These programs cater to children’s interests and needs, encompassing various activities from athletics to arts and STEM.

“Supporting working ALICE families during the summer is not an act of charity; it’s an investment in our community’s future,” said Denise Durel, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Louisiana. “By providing these children with opportunities to learn, grow and explore their interests, we are helping to level the playing field and build a stronger, more vibrant community for all of us.”

Families are encouraged to reach out to individual nonprofits to apply for a spot for their children in the following programs:

**OTA Camps**—In partnership with Ward 3 and held at the MLK Center, Overtime Athletics offers a comprehensive camp from June 3 through August 2, featuring athletics, art, life skills, robotics, and entrepreneurship.

**Region 5 STEM Center** - Offering STEM summer camps from June 3 through July 26 for all SWLA parishes, campers will engage in experiments, robotics, coding, and even aerospace engineering projects.

**Felice Kicking Camps**—This camp targets those who cannot afford private football lessons in Calcasieu and provides extensive training in kicking, punting, and snapping the football.

**DeRidder High School Ladies in Blue Dance line Camp**—This Camp is available in Beauregard Parish from July 17 through July 19 for children starting at 3 years old. It focuses on dance and the social aspects of team sports.

**The Art Factory**—This Camp runs from May 28 through July 19 for all SWLA parishes and aims to provide enriching art experiences to children who might lack such opportunities at home or school.

**Imperial Calcasieu Museum**—The Branch Out Kids Summer Camp will be held from June 3 through July 19 for children in grades K-7. The Camp will focus on art fundamentals and the importance of recycling.

**Business & Workforce Recovery**—The Shining STARS Business and Leadership Summer Program will be held from July 22 through July 24 for middle and high school students across SWLA parishes. The program will focus on skills development and community service.

United Way of Southwest Louisiana is committed to supporting the growth and development of children in our community. These grants will significantly impact the lives of many families.

Visit unitedwayswla.org/alice to learn more about United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s ALICE Report on the economic plight of working families in the region or to download the latest data.

Visit unitedwayswla.org/empoweringalice to read the United Way of Southwest Louisiana President’s blog about “Empowering ALICE Families: Our summer mission to support educational continuity and growth.” 

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About United Way of Southwest Louisiana

Working with the community and many partners for 84 years, United Way of Southwest Louisiana tackles the critical human services issues facing our five-parish footprint of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis. Our United approach is changing the odds for all children, families and individuals in the community, so we all have the opportunity to succeed. Learn more about our life-changing work at Unitedwayswla.org and follow us on social media @UnitedWayofSWLA

- Operating in the TOP 9% of all U.S. United Ways. –TOP 125 out of 1185 United Ways!
- Maintains a 4-STAR charity rating with Charity Navigator and a PLATINUM SEAL OF TRANSPARENCY with Candid (formerly GuideStar)
- Mackenzie Scott Recipient (1^st year, member of the original #UNITEDWAY46)
- LEPA Award Winner 2022 from Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for Outstanding Service
- Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration