Creating safe educational opportunities and supporting ongoing collaboration between organizations is important to 1889 Foundation. In support of these two ideas, 1889 Foundation has granted $16,000, over a two-year period, to continue the UPJ Communi-TEAMS program with Greater Johnstown School District.
The Communi-TEAMS program provides safe spaces for underprivileged youth to be mentored and engaged in diverse educational activities led by college students, staff, and faculty. According to the 2021 SAIPE (Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates) School District Profiles Data Visualization Dashboard, Greater Johnstown School District shows a 41.8% poverty rate of students ages 5 -17.
Through volunteering, the college mentors learn about different environments and backgrounds of students. Exposing college students, many who are local and/or first generation, will improve cultural competency toward individuals with different backgrounds.
Communi-TEAMS exposes youth to an entertaining and educational program through collaboration and creativity. It’s a time to get kids excited about the many college and/or career opportunities that may be in their future.
