Summer is a critical time for youth in our community. During these four months of the year, resources for students that are typically available at school—like education, food, physical activity, emotional support, and social interaction—become less accessible.

That’s why nonprofit summer programming is crucial for our community. They bridge the gap between school years, keeping young people in learning environments and providing continued growth opportunities to youth and their families.

The following Allen County nonprofits are just some of the organizations providing essential summer learning opportunities for our youth!

Bloom Project’s College and Career Readiness

Bloom Project, in partnership with Purdue Fort Wayne, offers a three-day (two-night) campus experience for participants in Project King. This program provides young men, ages 12-18, an orientation, a campus tour, as well as class time with faculty focused on STEM and business leadership. They also can speak with faculty and staff about enrollment, admissions, athletics, scholarships, and financial aid.

Bridge of Grace’s Summer Camps

Bridge of Grace hosts several summer camp experiences: Jr. Police Academy, Jr. Firefighter Camp, Explore the Arts Camp, and Bridge Day Camp. The camps, collectively, welcome students from 1st–8th grade. All camps include a therapeutic arts component and give special focus to the traumatic, emotional, and psychological impacts of COVID-19 on children and adolescents.

Euell A. Wilson Center’s H.E.A.R.T. Summer Camp

Euell A. Wilson Center (EAWC) hosts an eight-week summer camp where children focus on the development of H.E.A.R.T—Healthy Educated Active Responsible Thriving leaders. H.E.A.R.T strives to provide high-quality out-of-school programming that is specifically designed to serve low-income youth from kindergarten-12th grade, helping them build confidence and skills they need to overcome the challenges of their circumstances.

The Growing Lives Foundation’s Summer Programs

The Growing Lives Foundation’s summer programming includes artistic expression, physical activity, games, gardening, career exploration, and more. This program serves 75 youth ages 12-18 years old and is centered around individualized attention to heal trauma, meet and exceed educational standards, and create a plan for the future.

Cornerstone Youth Center’s Summer Program

Cornerstone Youth Center offers eight weeks of summer programming for youth, grades 7-12, in Southeast Allen County. Each week consists of three onsite days—with virtual offerings for those who can’t attend in-person. This program focuses on addressing occupational, environmental, spiritual, social, physical, emotional, financial, and intellectual wellness.

These organizations received summer project grants from Foellinger Foundation in 2021. Other grant recipients include Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, Fort Wayne Zoological Society, Wellspring Interfaith Social Services, Metropolitan Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA of Fort Wayne), and Youth for Christ of Northern Indiana.

Thank you all for uplifting our children, their families, and our community.