United Way of Central Florida is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 George Jenkins Foundation Youth Opportunity Grant, awarding a total of $220,000 to 12 nonprofit agencies serving students in Polk County. This year, 29 agencies submitted proposals requesting over $526,800 in funding, reflecting the community’s deep commitment to youth development and educational equity.
The Youth Opportunity Grant supports programs that serve Title I schools in high-need zip codes across Polk County, with a focus on reducing absenteeism, improving academic outcomes, and fostering emotional and behavioral growth among students in grades K–8. The following programs have been selected for funding:
Achievement Academy, Inc. – IMPACT ELEVATED
Supporting Pre-K and Kindergarten students with disabilities through individualized transition services and parent engagement.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay – Comprehensive Group Mentoring
Providing group mentorship to disadvantaged youth in partnership with local schools and universities.
Boys and Girls Club Polk County – Building a Bridge through Daily Attendance
Addressing chronic absenteeism through academic support, mentoring, and wraparound services.
Camp Fire Sunshine – Science Rocks
Enhancing science literacy for K–5 students through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.
The Freedom Tour – The Show Up Squad
Incentivizing regular attendance with monthly rewards and semester-long goals.
Heartland for Children – Soaring Eagles
Offering after-school reading tutoring and behavioral support for 3rd and 4th graders.
Learning Resource Center of Polk County – Ready Set Read! (RSR!)
Delivering one-on-one reading intervention for struggling first-grade students.
Mi Escuela Montessori – Project CONNECT
A bilingual program focused on emotional regulation, family engagement, and reducing suspensions.
Pace Center for Girls Polk – Bartow Middle School Reach Program
Providing mental health services to at-risk adolescent girls.
Polk Education Foundation – The Renaissance Program
Celebrating student success in academics, behavior, and attendance through school-wide events.
RCMA Mulberry Community Academy – Ready, Set, Grow!
Combining academic intervention with enrichment for high-need students.
Youth and Family Advocates – SNAP Program
Training educators in behavioral strategies to help children develop self-regulation skills.
“These grants are a direct investment in the future of our community,” said Rod Crowley, Chief Operating Officer of United Way of Central Florida. “Each of these programs is uniquely positioned to make a measurable impact on the lives of students and families in Polk County. We’re proud to support their efforts to build a stronger, more resilient community.”
United Way of Central Florida serves Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties by strengthening community resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security—working toward a future where every person in Central Florida can reach their full potential. Visit uwcf.org or call 863.648.1500 to learn more.
