Generous support from Thunderbirds Charities will support the continued expansion of ICAN’s out-of-school, year-round program for youth in grades K through 12. With five established sites across Chandler and Mesa, ICAN is more than childcare, as daily lessons are carefully crafted to incorporate the 5 C’s of positive youth development with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Additionally, youth receive daily snacks and meals, homework help, and recreation time to ensure they are being properly supported while at ICAN.
With over 493,000 youth living in Arizona communities where quality afterschool programs are not accessible, the need for ICAN’s expansion is vast. The $100,000 grant received from Thunderbirds Charities will play a crucial role in being able to offer the program at no cost to more families in areas where the need is the greatest. Founded by the community, for the community, ICAN is unique because they believe that every family should have access to programs that promote wellbeing for youth and economic opportunity for parents.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Thunderbirds Charities to transform the social, emotional and educational wellbeing of youth in underserved communities,” shares ICAN CEO Shelby Pedersen. “There are thousands of students in the communities we serve who could benefit from our program…this contribution brings us closer to filling that need”, she adds.
This grant is part of the Fall 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.