Community Foundation of Pasco County awards grants to help at-risk youth

NEW PORT RICHEY — The Community Foundation of Pasco County has awarded a total of $15,000 in grants to help at-risk youth.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay received $7,000 for its Helping Young People Excel (HYPE) Gang Prevention program in Pasco County. The goal is to reduce delinquent behaviors, increase academic achievement, improve attitudes toward school and increase career goals.

A grant of $5,000 was awarded to the Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation for its Concept College Program, which helps motivate potential school dropouts to register and enroll in college where they can prepare for productive jobs. This grant will help PHCC expand its reach from the 300 students served in 2008 and 2009 to 400 students in 2010.

Youth and Family Alternatives Inc. received $3,000 for youths staying at its RAP House Shelter. The Community Foundation said evaluations have shown that adolescents who take part in social and cultural enrichment programs have higher rates of civic engagement and school achievement and develop attitudes and skills that may lead to healthier behaviors.

Tax-exempt agencies can request future grants by applying between March 1 and Sept. 1. Applications are available on the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay's Web site, www.cftampabay.org.

The Community Foundation of Pasco County was established in 2002 as a division of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay to better serve the local philanthropic needs. Donor funds within the Community Foundation of Pasco County are now valued at more than $6 million and have generated nearly $1.3 million in grants to more than 50 nonprofit organizations for the benefit of Pasco County residents.