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The Multicultural Youth Program was Selected to Receive a 2021 “Summer Matters for All” Grant

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[Burlington, VT]—The Multicultural Youth Program at Spectrum Youth & Family Services was recently selected to receive $57,000 in funding from the Summer Matters for All Grant program. According to Governor Phil Scott, the Summer Matters for All Grant Program will support programs in 13 Vermont counties with the goal of expanding access to summer enrichment opportunities for youth k-12.

The purpose of the grant program is to increase access to summer enrichment opportunities for youth statewide during Summer 2021. At Spectrum, this grant will support the Multicultural Youth Program’s summer workshops and activities, including:

  • Weekly life skills workshops, for 30 to 50 youth, to help them build learn about things like money management, self-care and mental health, as well as strategies for planning for life after high school and overcoming common obstacles among immigrant youth. a
  • The Old Spokes Home bike repair apprenticeship program for 6 individuals ages 12 to 16. These youth will learn the basics of bike repair through hands-on practice.
  • The Girls’ Group program that provides girls ages 12 to 24 who self-identify as multicultural a safe space to connect with peers and explore their realities and challenges through discussions and activities on mindfulness, self-care, dance, reading, and creative writing.
  • Community outreach events, which provide low-barrier activities to engage youth in learning about local resources and connect with peers

“After such a difficult year for our community and particularly multicultural communities, these funds will allow us to provide a much-needed support and relief for the youth,” said Remy-Brice Uwilingiyimana, the Multicultural Youth Program Manager. “Being able to increase our staff capacity, allows us to increase the number of young people we can impact within our programs.”

The grants were funded by federal dollars secured by Senator Sanders and administered by Vermont Afterschool. They were awarded to a variety of programs, including summer camps, libraries, municipalities, teen centers, non-profit social services organizations and more, to expand the number of weeks and slots, as well as to increase affordability and accessibility of summer programs.

“Summer is the perfect opportunity to help kids reconnect and recharge. We are incredibly grateful to our state leaders and policymakers for their commitment to the development of the Summer Matters for All Grant Program,” said Holly Morehouse, Executive Director of Vermont Afterschool. “With this funding, communities and youth-serving organizations across the state will be able to create a great summer for Vermont children and youth that will help them make new memories and emerge from the pandemic strong, resilient, and hopeful.”

All Spectrum Multicultural Youth programs are free, thanks to this incredible support. Supportive services such as transportation, snacks, and other basic needs will be provided within each program. Youth and families can register by emailing the MYP team at myp@spectrumvt.org, calling (802) 864-7423 x428 or find more information here.


Located in Burlington, Vermont, Spectrum Youth & Family Services helps teens and young adults ages 14-24 meet their basic needs, access mental health counseling and substance use coaching, and get help with employment, education, and living independently to thrive as young adults. Learn more at www.spectrumvt.org.


Contact Erin Barnaby, Communications Officer at ebarnaby@spectrumvt.org or 802-363-0750 for more information.

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