LifeSTEPS Awarded $15,000 Grant from The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to Support After-School and Summer Reading Programs

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Sacramento, California – [October 30th, 2024] – LifeSTEPS is proud to announce that it has been awarded a generous $15,000 grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI) to support after-school program, including the eight-week Summer Reading Program. This funding will directly benefit at-risk youth in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, helping to prevent the “summer slide,” establishing reading corners, and providing backpacks filled with school supplies in LifeSTEPS programs across the region.

LifeSTEPS is one of 228 grant recipients awarded by SMBMI this year, with over $12.6 million awarded in total. This grant will sustain and enhance educational opportunities for underserved communities, positively impacting low-income youth’s academic achievement and overall well-being. In 2023, LifeSTEPS’ Summer Reading Program achieved remarkable results, with 98% of participants either maintaining or increasing their reading levels. This achievement underscores the program’s effectiveness and its critical role in helping young students stay on track academically during the summer months.

This funding comes at a time when nonprofit organizations in the Inland Empire face significant challenges, receiving far less support than other regions in California. Data shows that the Inland Empire receives only $26 per capita in nonprofit funding, compared to the statewide average of $262. LifeSTEPS is extremely grateful for the partnership with SMBMI, which will help sustain these vital programs and ensure that youth in underserved communities have access to the educational resources they need.

About LifeSTEPS
LifeSTEPS (Life Skills Training and Educational Programs) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational and supportive services to residents of affordable and supportive housing communities throughout California. Our mission is to empower individuals and families through education, resource connections, and supportive services to build stronger communities. Learn more at www.lifestepsusa.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Axel Diaz
Fund Development Manager

Angela Finds Solid Ground in the After School Program

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Meet 12-year-old Angela. An active participant in LifeSTEPS’ After School Program, she is known as a leader who takes the initiative to help other students after completing her homework. With a big heart, Angela also enjoys lending a hand at other LifeSTEPS events by serving food and cleaning up. But before joining the After School Program, Angela was on a difficult road. A year ago, on a day like any other, she was told that her father had died from a sudden stroke. Paralyzed from shock and grief, the loss of Angela’s father affected every aspect of her life. Her world was turned upside down.

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After School Success Story: Meet 8 Year-old Carlie

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LifeSTEPS - Success storyCarlie* may only be eight years old, but she is well on her way to becoming a successful business woman. A participant of LifeSTEPS’ After School Program since she was barely in Kindergarten, Carlie recognized a good deal when she saw one.  She also recognized that her math skills were not as strong as her reading and writing skills and felt comfortable with her ASP Coordinator, Aaron, to ask for help.  

Aaron gave Carlie an incentive to improve her math scores using “LifeSTEPS Bucks” for good grades on homework assignments, and test scores.

In turn, Carlie would earn currency to spend in the After School Program treasure chest. Without hesitation Carlie accepted the deal to complete her math homework every day, come to one on one tutoring with Aaron, and work with her mother at home with math flashes cards to learn the multiplication tables.  

The tutoring and extra help Carlie received in math has paid off in more than “LifeSTEPS Bucks”. Even though the bucks were the incentive to get her excited about learning math, Aaron also kept Carlie enthusiastic about learning with a variety of resources (workbooks, computer games and puzzles).

She is now completing her homework assignments, showing improved test scores and displaying more confidence at school. Carlie’s mom was pleasantly surprised when her teacher congratulated her for Carlie’s improvement.  

Carlie’s new found confidence in math has had a positive effect on her behavior in the After School Program as well—she eagerly comes every day and volunteers to help Aaron by passing out supplies and helping younger students when they have questions.  Carlie has discovered that hard works pays off and now is talking about not only being a business owner, but also being the first one in her family to go to college!

*Names have been changed for privacy.