WINGS FOR KIDS RECEIVES HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AMERICORPS GRANT FROM GEORGIA COMMISSION FOR SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM

 

WINGS FOR KIDS RECEIVES HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AMERICORPS GRANT

FROM GEORGIA COMMISSION FOR SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM

After-School Program One of Only Three New Grantees for 2012-13

ATLANTA, GA— WINGS for kids, an afterschool program teaching social emotional learning (SEL) techniques to at-risk youth, has received nearly $160,000 from AmeriCorps grants distributed by the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism. The investment will help fund WINGS’ Atlanta launch, as the proven program lands this fall at two Fulton County elementary schools.

The commission reported that grants awarded totaled $3.9 million, yet applications for funds exceeded $6.2 million. “WINGS for kids is tremendously excited to be among the AmeriCorps organizations chosen for this funding,” said Bridget Laird, CEO of WINGS for kids. “We will begin our work in Atlanta this August with an even stronger sense of welcome and excitement from the community.”

WINGS for kids helps K-5 students develop self-awareness, relationship skills, social awareness, self-management and responsible decision-making. Research has found that SEL techniques can improve behavior and academic performance, lessen absences and provide more attachment to school.  Studies have shown that WINGS participants have a 40% higher high school graduation rate than non-WINGS peers.

For the 2012-13 academic year, WINGS will be delivered to Heritage and S.L. Lewis Elementary Schools.  WINGSLeaders are recruited from local colleges to help mentor participants; each becomes a member of AmeriCorps.

About WINGS for kids

WINGS for kids began in 1996 in Charleston, S.C. It is the only U.S. organization focusing on teaching social and emotional skills to elementary kids in an after school setting. Since it began, it has helped more than 3,100 kids soar. To learn more about WINGS for kids, visit www.wingsforkids.org or call 843-296-1667.