Springfield College Leads Summer Youth Program
Posted July 16, 2012
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield College has again partnered with the city of Springfield and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on a city service grant that will fund this summer’s Leaders in Academics, Community Engagement and Service (LACES) youth program. The LACES program has been offered free to city youth since 2004.
The Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, Springfield Public Schools, and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 21st Century Community Learning Center have combined resources with Springfield College this summer to provide youth leadership and community engagement services to city kids.
Springfield College Associate Professor of Physical Education Thaddeus France III will lead LACES this summer, working with approximately 140 city youth in grades 3-8. France will be joined by Springfield Public School teachers and paraprofessionals, Springfield College AmeriCorps members, and Springfield College faculty, staff, and students in delivering this valuable community youth service.
“We are very fortunate to have some great partners in making this program possible,” said France. “We look forward to our continuation of helping students as we continue to grow the program.”
LACES is a comprehensive youth development program that helps Springfield youngsters develop as community leaders and engaged citizens. The program works with partners in schools, recreation, and other community-based organizations to leverage funding and expertise. The current program includes a two-week summer experience and an academic year program.
