The Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation has awarded a $365,000 grant to the Achievement Centers for Children & Families to support its nationally accredited Early Learning Program (ELP). The funding aims to sustain and strengthen early childhood education for underserved families in southern Palm Beach County, where many children face poverty and limited access to quality education.
The ELP, operating at the Nancy K. Hurd campus in Delray Beach, serves up to 109 children ages 1 to 5. It delivers over 2,485 service hours annually through a curriculum focused on six developmental domains, and provides more than 47,000 meals each year. The program maintains low teacher-to-child ratios, employs 22 full-time, highly credentialed educators, and ensures children are kindergarten-ready.
“The Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation’s support lifts a tremendous burden from our organization, allowing Achievement Centers to continue delivering full-day, year-round care while expanding services that meet the evolving needs of our children and families,” said Stephanie Seibel, CEO of the Achievement Centers. “More than just funding, this gift enables our staff to focus on program innovation and long-term sustainability with ripple effects across our afterschool programs, teen initiatives, and family support services.”
Achievement Centers serves more than 760 children and their families annually, primarily in Delray Beach. Many families have an average household income of $24,592, making the ELP an essential lifeline for working single-parent households and children at risk. The grant from the DeSantis Foundation helps sustain the program and allows for expansion of services.
“The DeSantis Foundation’s gift is more than financial; it is a vote of confidence in our mission and in the future of our community’s youngest learners,” said Ms. Seibel. “On behalf of the children, families, and staff of Achievement Centers, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation for their partnership, trust, and belief in the transformative power of early education.”
Achievement Centers for Children & Families operates programs including Early Learning, After School, Teen, and Summer Camp at three locations in Delray Beach: Nancy K. Hurd Campus, Village Academy, and Pine Grove Elementary. For more information, visit www.achievementcentersFL.org.
