RALEIGH, NC (June 21, 2009) - The Greenwell Foundation has been selected to participate in a pilot program to implement an inclusive summer learning curriculum this summer. Funding is being provided by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF.)
MEAF has announced $360,000 in new and continuing grants, raising the total investment in the Foundation's five-year Inclusion Initiative to $3.2 million. The newest inclusion project is a joint venture between The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (TBAF) and the National Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University.
Building on a three-year partnership, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation and the National Center for Summer Learning will create a distinct and powerful new force for change in the field of summer learning for all children, especially those with disabilities. The partners will expand access to high-quality, inclusive summer learning opportunities for young people by developing a summer learning curriculum to help summer camps fully include youth with disabilities.
"This program will help enable us to give more children the chance to participate in summer learning activities they and their families may have never thought possible," said Jolanda Campbell, Greenwell Foundation Executive Director.
Research suggests that inclusive summer learning programs can prevent summer learning loss and promote academic achievement for all children and youth, foster positive relationships between children with and without disabilities and adults, and promote improved peer relationships and acceptance of diversity.
In addition to being selected as a pilot program, Greenwell also received a Bubel/Aiken Foundation grant for the second consecutive year. Bubel/Aiken awarded a $17,390.00 grant to Greenwell to implement Let's ALL Play-Inclusion in Recreational Programs. The grant will allow children with developmental disabilities to enjoy a successful summer camp experience in an inclusive setting.
About MEAF: Established in 1991, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation is the corporate foundation of the Mitsubishi Electric companies in the US, which makes grants to support national nonprofit organizations and works to engage company employees in philanthropy and volunteerism in Mitsubishi Electric communities through its matching grants program. The Foundation's mission is to help young people with disabilities maximize their potential and participation in society. For more information about the foundation visit www.meaf.org.
About TBAF: The Bubel/Aiken Foundation serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them. By providing services and financial assistance, TBAF supports communities and programs in creating awareness and opportunities for full inclusion where barriers break and doors open. It is their goal to create an environment for children where inclusion is embraced. To learn more about The Bubel/Aiken Foundation or ways to get involved visit their website at www.bubelaiken.org .
About the National Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University: The vision of the National Center for Summer Learning is for every young person to experience enriching, memorable summers. Based at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, the Center engages in research, develops policy, and delivers professional development to improve program quality, increase funding for programs for young people living in poverty, and make summer learning a public policy priority. The Center focuses national attention on how high-quality summer learning programs help close the achievement gap, lead to higher graduation rates, and promote healthy development. For more information, visit www.summerlearning.org.
About The Greenwell Foundation: The Greenwell Foundation, located at Greenwell State Park in Hollywood, Md., is a private, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1971 dedicated to providing universally accessible and inclusive programs, services, and facilities for all community members, with and without disabilities, in Southern Maryland. Greenwell's programs include inclusive summer camps for children, recreational and therapeutic horseback riding lessons, kayak lessons and rentals, and outdoor recreation programs. Special events are held at the park throughout the year.
Camp Greenwell is an outdoor recreation camp for children entering first grade through age 13. Activities reflect a respect for nature and teach disability awareness, skill building for self confidence, and nature conservation. Greenwell also offers horseback riding, kayaking, and fishing camps. To learn more about the Greenwell Foundation and its programs, visit www.greenwellfoundation.org.