Grant supports Pitt County youth enrichment

A $5,000 grant will support academic and cultural enrichment activities for Pitt County youth at the Lucille W. Gorham Intergenerational Community Center, an East Carolina University partnership program.
Provided by the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation, the donation will support the YES (Youth Excelling for Success) Summer Bridge Program, which targets children in grades 3 through 5 with activities to help them stay engaged and prepared for success when school resumes in the fall.
Held Monday through Thursday from June to early August, YES offers mathematics, language arts, science, martial arts, chess and other board games. Participants enjoy activities on the Wii along with physical education, gardening, computer lab and other cultural enrichment activities.
Academic enrichment follows the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and is taught by qualified teachers. Campers are served breakfast, snacks, and lunch daily.
YES program director Shawan Sutton expressed gratitude for the donation. The foundation’s members “clearly understand the importance of quality summer programs for youth,” Sutton said. “The YES staff is excited about helping the youth keep their academic skills sharp while promoting positive social growth and development. We have lots of great activities planned for participants and even some for their parents and families.”
Lee Watson, market president for Wells Fargo in Greenville, said the foundation was pleased to present the donation in keeping with its mission of building strong and vibrant communities, improving the quality of life and making positive differences.
“It helps demonstrate Wells Fargo’s ongoing commitment to the Greenville community…,” Watson said.
“We’re responsible for being leaders to promote the long-term economic prosperity and quality of life for everyone in our communities. If they prosper, so do we.”
The Lucille W. Gorham Intergenerational Community Center, at 1100 Ward Street in Greenville, is a partnership among the City of Greenville, East Carolina University, Pitt Community College and multiple community-based agencies. The Center is committed to identifying and addressing the health and wellness needs of the community through innovative programs designed for all individuals across the life course.
For additional information about the center and its programs, call 252-328-5800 or visit http://www.ecu.edu/che/igcc/.
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