Bridging the Gap: The Need for Affordable Summer Programming

There is an overwhelming need for increased access to affordable summer programming in the U.S. Costs are one of the key barriers to low-income families having access to quality, affordable summer learning opportunities.

Research has shown that higher-income youth are nearly three times more likely to participate in a structured summer experience than youth from lower-income families. This disparity creates a gap in opportunities available to youth from low-income families, leaving them unsupervised and increasing the likelihood that they may engage in riskier behaviors.

Project Impact 180 is dedicated to providing safe and affordable summer programming to low-income families in the City of Chicago. Our after-school and summer programs motivate youth to develop strong leadership skills, critical thinking, independence, confidence, and optimism.

We invite you to share a gift to make summer programming more affordable for youth living in high-risk communities. Your gift will connect youth and families to a quality program located directly in their community.

Here’s how your gift will make an impact:

$25- Provides a week's worth of supplies
$75-Provides a summer swag bag, that includes a Project Impact t-shirt, backpack, therapeutic tools, snacks, and more!
$150- Provides a stipend for youth enrolled in our 6-week SLIMS Camp(Summer Leadership Institute for Middle Schoolers)
$262.50- 3 weeks of summer programming for one youth
$525- Provides a full 6-week immersive summer enrichment program, where youth engage in leadership development, civic engagement opportunities, and field lessons

Thank you for your support in creating opportunities that get kids off the streets and into safe environments where youth can connect with their peers and caring adults while building positive life-long memories.

Elaine Marthel, Founder & Executive Director