Sallie Mae announced its charitable foundation, The Sallie Mae Fund, provided grants to three Delaware nonprofit organizations to support programs that benefit children and families.
The Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc. (DAPI), the Food Bank of Delaware, and Preston’s Playground each received $10,000.
“DAPI, the Food Bank, and Preston’s Playground share Sallie Mae’s desire to help young people realize their potential,” said Bonnie Beasley, senior vice president, Sallie Mae Bank, and president, The Sallie Mae Fund. “We have employees who are actively involved with each of these organizations, and we are pleased to be able to add our financial support to their volunteer efforts.”
The grant for DAPI will help fund the summer credit recovery program that is part of DAPI’s Pathways to College Program. The summer program, which Sallie Mae helped launch with a seed grant three years ago, makes it possible for high school students from throughout Delaware to earn credit for coursework they were unable to complete during the regular academic year, and keeps them on track for high school graduation.
“We appreciate Sallie Mae’s continued support of our efforts to help teen parents graduate from high school and motivate them to pursue a college education,” said Lucy O’Donnell, executive director, DAPI. “We have a 100 percent graduation rate for students who participate in this program, and 83 percent of our graduates have been accepted into a college or university.”
The grant for the Food Bank will support the Summer Mobile Meal Program, which provides healthy, kid-friendly meals for school-age children who live in areas where summer meal sites are not readily available. With school out of session, these children have limited access to meals typically offered by childcare, community, and other traditional meal distribution centers. Through the Mobile Meal program, Food Bank of Delaware van drivers deliver meals to local parks, motels, mobile home parks, and other sites. The driver and site coordinator set up a table and children are able to enjoy a meal and fun activities.
“Economic, transportation, and distance challenges make it difficult for these children to receive adequate nourishment during the summer months,” said Patricia Beebe, president and CEO, Food Bank of Delaware. “Sallie Mae’s grant will allow us to deliver nutritious meals to children who are at a higher risk of hunger during the summer.”
The grant for Preston’s Playground will help fund construction of a new
