Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with Community Development for All People (CD4AP) to provide upfront financial support for their All People Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools initiative. CD4AP works to build a mixed-income, self-sufficient, and vibrant South Side Columbus community by connecting neighbors to high-quality education, housing, health, and economic opportunities that create a fair start in life.
CD4AP operates the All People Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools at Lincoln Park Elementary, a 14-year anchor summer program serving K-8 scholars on the South Side of Columbus. The program is rooted in the legacy and pedagogy of Freedom Schools during the 1964 Freedom Summer in Mississippi, empowering youth through social action, leadership, and literacy. It intentionally serves children and families in South Side Columbus neighborhoods impacted by long-standing disinvestment, providing free, full-day summer learning with literacy enrichment, social-emotional development, leadership activities, and daily meals. In partnership with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, scholars receive two meals and an afternoon snack daily at no cost to families. Scholars also engage in hands-on learning including STEM, financial wellness, fitness, nutrition, mental health, and community service. For more than five years, CD4AP has been a consistent partner of the City of Columbus, previously supported through the Youth Summer Learning Grant; however, 2026 funding was not awarded, placing the program at risk. The program serves nearly 100 scholars annually, delivering over 270 hours of programming. The grant will support staffing, materials, enrichment, and family learning sessions. This request represents a bridge investment to sustain a proven, city-aligned program while long-term funding partnerships are reestablished.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding in the amount of $25,000.00 is available i...
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