SCORES receives Bestfoods Education Foundation grant

Great news for America SCORES sites across the country, we received our largest grant in the history of the non-profit, $1.3 million. It came from the Bestfoods Education Foundation. This grant will allow us to deepen the program we offer our poet-athletes around the country. It will ensure that all the sites can continue to provide the service their communities need.

Here is what our new CEO had to say about the grant:

“This gift will enable America SCORES to reach new heights in its mission to inspire urban youth through creativity and teamwork,” said Norma Barquet, CEO of America SCORES. “We are extremely grateful to the Board at the Bestfoods Educational Foundation for its generosity and belief in our organization to provide educational opportunities to deserving children. America SCORES is honored and privileged to be the recipient of such an extraordinary gift.”

Here in Seattle we hope the money will help us to expand the number of students we reach as well as the amount of time we have with them. We hope to expand spring and fall session from 8 weeks to 10. This grant will help as a step in that direction.

Here is what our Executive Director said:

"Everyone in the SCORES’ family is extremely grateful to Best Foods for this generous grant," said Carole Kelley, Executive Director America SCORES Seattle. "It is a huge vote of confidence that our program is achieving our mission of inspiring urban youth to lead healthy lifestyles, be engaged students, and become agents of change in their communities."

Here is a link to the press release.