United Way Southwest Louisiana Awards 2025 Summer Impact Grants to Local Nonprofits
Lake Charles, LA— United Way Southwest Louisiana is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Summer Impact Grants, awarded to ten exceptional local nonprofits dedicated to supporting children from ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. These grants will provide crucial tuition assistance, ensuring these children can access enriching summer camp opportunities.
The Summer Impact Grant plays a vital role in closing the educational gap for children from low—to moderate-income families. It offers various programs designed to support continuity in learning and foster engagement. From athletics to arts and STEM, these activities cater to children's diverse interests and needs, ensuring a summer filled with growth and discovery.
“Investing in the summer experiences of working ALICE families is more than just an act of goodwill; it represents a commitment to the long-term welfare of our community,” said Denise Durel, President and CEO of United Way Southwest Louisiana. “By empowering our children with opportunities to learn and explore their passions, we are helping to build a stronger and more vibrant community for everyone.”
We encourage families to reach out to the individual nonprofits to apply for summer programs for their children. The programs being offered include:
Region 5 STEM Center: Engaging STEM summer camps that immerse K-12 students in fun and relevant STEM activities. (Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis) https://www.cpsb.org
Felice Kicking Camps: A program aimed at developing skilled and confident specialists in the local football community. (Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis) www.felicekickingcamps.com
OTA Camps: Camps focusing on various subjects, including robotics and programming, guided by certified teachers. (Calcasieu) Www.otacamps.com
Shining Stars Business & Leadership Summer: Providing mentorship, instruction, and hands-on experiences to inspire young leaders. (Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis) https://businessworkforcerecovery.com/
Butterfly Language School: Offering summer camps that mix science, art, crafts, cooking, and reading in French, English, or Spanish. (Calcasieu) https://butterflylanguageschool.com/
Branch Out Summer Arts Camp: Creative and educational art camps at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum that foster meaningful summer experiences. (Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis) www.imperialcalcasieumuseum.org
DM Robinson Education Literacy Program: A tutoring program providing small-group literacy instruction to K-5 public school students. (Calcasieu) https://www.dmrobinsonprek-12educationconsultingfirm.com/
Dream BIG Sound Summer Camp: Addressing the need for safe and enriching summer programming, focusing on spiritual growth. (Calcasieu) http://thesoundlc.com/
Washington Marion Magnet School Band Camp: Students receive personalized instruction in their musical instruments and vocal techniques from experienced tutors. (Calcasieu)
Friends of the Governor's Program for Gifted Children: Teaching students about responsibility and self-reliance with guidance from dedicated counselors. (Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis)
United Way Southwest Louisiana remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of children in our community. The impact of these grants will resonate throughout many families, fostering growth and development for our youth.
For more information on United Way Southwest Louisiana and to learn about the economic challenges working families face in the region, please visit unitedwayswla.org/alice.
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About United Way Southwest Louisiana
From strengthening local resilience to advancing healthy communities, youth opportunity and financial security, United Way Southwest Louisiana is mobilizing communities to take action so all can thrive.
UnitedWaySWLA.org