/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ - MetLife Foundation announced the grant recipients of its 2010 Out-of-School Time Initiative, which supports after-school and summer programs that address the unique needs and interests of middle school youth. The eleven grants, ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 and totaling $500,000, were awarded to nonprofits serving youth in Atlanta, Ga., Los Angeles, New York City, Providence, R.I. and St. Louis, Mo.

"Middle school is a pivotal point in young people's development," said Dennis White, president and CEO, MetLife Foundation. "High quality, out-of-school time programs can support their healthy development. MetLife Foundation is pleased to recognize these organizations and enable them to provide middle school youth with opportunities for hands-on learning, skill development, community service and fun during out-of-school time."

The goal of this competitive program is to increase after-school and summer program opportunities, particularly for diverse, lower-income middle school youth. MetLife Foundation selected grant recipients based on the strength of their plans for reaching young people and opportunities for hands-on involvement and input by youth participants. Selection also focused on creativity, innovation, organizational capacity, and track record.

The grant recipients are:

• YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta (Atlanta) - for Middle School Mission: Atlanta, which will engage 6th to 8th graders from diverse communities in a leadership program focused on service learning.


• After-School All-Stars (Los Angeles) - for We Are Ready, which will help 8th graders at 16 schools make a successful transition to high school, and for CampUS, which will engage selected We Are Ready participants in an intensive eight-day experience focused on high school success, the importance of college, leadership and careers.


• LACER Afterschool Programs (Los Angeles) - for ARTStars, which provides professionally-taught arts workshops for 6th to 8th grade students to expand their knowledge of and skills in diverse genres.


• Educational Alliance, Inc. (New York City) - for Club VIP, which will engage Chinatown youth with low grades or at risk of dropping out in programming to transform their attitudes about education, improve their grades, and increase the likelihood they will graduate high school on time and pursue higher education.


• Hamilton-Madison House (New York City) - for Club 50, which will provide youth from public schools in the Chinatown/Two Bridges community with a safe haven after school and diverse activities that promote leadership and foster independence.


• Queens Community House (New York City) - for the Career Orientation, Preparation and Exploration (COPE) program, which will encourage young residents of Flushing to focus on setting academic and career goals.


• Union Settlement Association (New York City) - for the Summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy, which encourages and prepares minority youth to pursue STEM careers through a combination of rigorous coursework and community service focused on the environment.


• Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence (Providence) - for creation of Boys & Girls Club University (B&GCU) at its South Side and Chad Brown sites.


• Providence After School Alliance (PASA) (Providence) - for AfterZone Summer Scholars, which engages students testing just below proficiency in math and language arts through project-based learning opportunities that enable them to practice and build skills in these academic areas.


• YWCA Greater Rhode Island (Central Falls, R.I.) - for Camp Carson, a summer program which will provide opportunities for inner-city boys and girls to learn about the environment and develop new skills through exploration of Rhode Island's coastal waters, inland forests, lakes and rivers.


• St. Louis Public Library Foundation (St. Louis) - for after-school and summer programs at branch libraries, including new writing workshops with The Urban Artist Alliance for Child Development.

About MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. In youth development, MetLife Foundation funds initiatives that promote mentoring and provide safe places and constructive activities for young people, particularly during out-of-school time. For more information, visit www.metlife.org.

MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. MetLife and MetLife Foundation have invested more than $15 million for Alzheimer's research and public information programs, including $10 million through the Awards for Medical Research program. Working with the Alzheimer's Association, the Foundation has supported caregiving videos, resources for the Hispanic community and the Safe Return identification program, which addresses the problem of senior wandering. The Foundation has expanded its focus on aging issues, including helping people remain physically and mentally fit and remaining engaged in the community. It also supports programs addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities and volunteer opportunities. Grants support health, education, and civic and cultural programs. More information about MetLife Foundation is available at www.metlife.org.

More from MetLife Foundation