Foundation Announces Grants to Support Local Youth

August 12, 2025

New Britain, Conn. – The American Savings Foundation Board of Directors recently announced $567,600 in grants to support thirteen New Britain-based programs that provide meaningful youth development experiences both after school and during the school day.

Since awarding its first grants in 1996, the Foundation has remained committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey—from elementary through high school and into college and career. In 2005, recognizing a critical gap in the availability of after-school programs for middle-school youth, the Foundation increased its investment and became the lead funder of after-school programs for this age group in New Britain. It has continued to play an active role in shaping and supporting a strong network of providers.

In recent years, the Foundation has enhanced this focus by supporting programs that help young people prepare for life beyond the classroom. Incorporating career exploration, workforce development, and essential life and leadership skills, the programs help youth build confidence, set goals, and envision a positive future.

“These grants help create meaningful opportunities for New Britain youth to learn, grow, and build the skills they need for lifelong success,” said Maria Sanchez, director of grantmaking and community investment at American Savings Foundation. “Our continued support for many of these programs reflects a deep, long-term commitment to sustaining high-quality after-school programs that strengthen young people as well as the broader community.”

The after-school programs that received funding all incorporate strong career development components in their programs. The Human Resources Agency of New Britain received $50,000 in support of their Foundations for Financial Independence Program, providing New Britain youth opportunities to develop employment and leadership skills and increase financial literacy through financial literacy training and opportunities to become a certified tax preparer for the agency’s VITA program.    

OIC of New Britain was awarded $75,000 for its Moving Mountains program, a research-based afterschool initiative supporting middle school students with social-emotional learning, mental health support, leadership development, and teen pregnancy prevention.

Worldwide Youth Networks received $20,000 for the ParaDYM Academy, which introduces New Britain high school students to STEM careers through video production, game design, and Esports. Students develop real world skills in technology and coding, as they explore career fields in media, computer design, and technology.

The Pathways/Senderos Center was awarded $25,000 for their youth development program, which offers services to support youth facing barriers, including educational assistance, career readiness, financial literacy, health and wellness, sex education, and recreational activities.

Other after school programs supported by these awards included the Boys and Girls Club of New Britain, which received $70,000 for their Getting Active After School Program. Middle school students enrolled in this program participate in enrichment activities focusing on physical, emotional, social, and intellectual well-being, while also providing a safe and positive environment.

YWCA of New Britain was awarded $70,000 for the STRIVE program. The program supports enrichment activities for middle school-age girls which integrate literacy, numeracy, STEM, and health and wellness, while also working to build confidence, develop critical social skills, and support a smooth transition into high school. Its sister program, House of Teens, was awarded $20,000. The program for high school girls builds on the STRIVE curriculum, helping to build resilience and self-assurance through a variety of activities that integrate language arts, STEM, and health and wellness.

$150,000 was awarded to the City of New Britain Parks and Recreation’s Exercise the Right Choice, a comprehensive middle-school youth program that expands learning in a safe, supportive space, empowering young people through leadership, academic support, social and emotional learning, career exploration, and student-led events that build confidence, real-world skills, and community impact.

The Foundation also announced grants for the following youth and in-school enrichment programs:

• $17,600 to Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra for their in-school music education programming.
• $35,000 to Junior Achievement of Southwest New England for their JA Mindset program, which will serve students in grades 3–5, building foundational skills and mindsets that promote engagement, school connection, and future success through standards-aligned, competency-based learning experiences.
• $20,000 for the Queen Ann Nzinga Center’s youth development program, which embeds social emotional learning in arts enrichment and performances for youth of all abilities.
• $5,000 to The RiseUP Group to create an inclusive, selfie-friendly mural at Hole in the Wall Theater to boost visibility, celebrate diversity, and engage the community through workshops, tours, and a public paint day in Downtown New Britain.
• $10,000 to Connecticut Network for Children and Youth to support a Lights on Afterschool annual statewide conference and workshop, which will both celebrate and elevate the field of afterschool.

American Savings Foundation is a permanent charitable endowment which provides grants to local nonprofit organizations, and college scholarships to area students.  Since its inception in 1995 the Foundation has contributed over $77 million in total grants and scholarships in central Connecticut.  For more information, call 860-827-2556 or visit the Foundation’s website at www.asfdn.org.