SAINT PAUL – Mayor Coleman announced today that Saint Paul is one of 21 communities across
the nation selected by President Obama to receive a Promise Neighborhood grant.
The grant is intended to help communities overcome barriers to ensure every
child receives the support they need to succeed. Saint Paul’s application was the 4th
highest-ranked proposal, scoring 99.67 points out of 100.
“From day one, my administration has put education at the
forefront of our agenda - working to build a city that surrounds our children
with the tools they need to be successful in life. We knew then, as we do
today, that Saint Paul’s
future success is rooted in our ability to provide our children with a quality
education, both in and out of school.
“In the process, we’ve become a national leader in the field
for building a new model of collaboration – this grant is an investment in
taking that work to the next level. But it is also recognition of the many
partners who have stood with us since the beginning and those specifically
responsible for this achievement. I’d like to thank the Wilder Foundation, the St. Paul Public Schools,
St. Paul Public Schools Foundation, Ramsey County, Sens. Klobuchar and Franken,
Congresswoman McCollum, our philanthropic and neighborhood partners, as well as
the President and the Department of Education for giving Saint Paul the
resources to make our dream a reality,” said Mayor Chris Coleman.
With the $500,000 grant, in-kind
contributions and $175,000 in matching funds from the philanthropic community,
the Promise Neighborhood area will benefit from more than $750,000 in
investment designed to remove barriers to success for Saint Paul children and families.
“This grant is an investment in young people who often face
barriers that can derail their efforts to get a quality education,” said U.S.
Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.). “I salute the City of Saint
Paul for winning this grant and working to create a better future
for young people in Saint Paul.”
Inspired by the Harlem Children's Zone in New York City, The Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood is a community-wide effort to ensure all children succeed in
school and in life through seamless coordination of cradle-to-career
educational, family, and community resources and supports. Encompassing a 250-block
area in the Summit-University and Frogtown neighborhoods, the Promise
Neighborhood effort is led by The Wilder Foundation and supported by a variety
of community organizations, including the following key partners: the City of
Saint Paul, St. Paul Public Schools, Ramsey County,
St. Paul Public Schools Foundation, Summit University Planning Council,
Frogtown Neighborhood Association, and the YWCA of Saint Paul.
“The Wilder Foundation is thrilled
to take a leadership role on behalf of Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood. Our
collaborative efforts with the many partners will assist our community in becoming
stronger and more vibrant,” Wilder Foundation President MayKao Hang said.
“This
Promise Neighborhoods grant is an incredible opportunity for the Frogtown and Summit University
neighborhoods,” Councilmember Melvin Carter said. “Through this initiative, we
will ensure that all of our youth, regardless of family income, have the tools,
resources and support they need to succeed, whatever it takes!"
“This grant will galvanize the community and bring students, parents,
community organizations, the city, and the school district together to support
academic and social success for all children in the Summit/University and
Frogtown neighborhoods, said Michael Anderson, Executive Director of the Saint
Paul Public Schools Foundation.
The news of Saint Paul’s selection came from Education
Secretary Arne Duncan, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, and HHS Secretary Kathleen
Sebelius during a press conference revealing all grants recipients across the
nation.
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