JCPENNEY AWARDS $7,500 GRANT TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CYPRESS
Funding To Help Engage More Youth in Positive Afterschool Programs
Cypress, CA – During the 2010-2011 school year, more Cypress students will be participating in
the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress afterschool program thanks in part to an access grant made
possible by JCPenney Afterschool. The $7,500 local grant is part of a larger $5 million grant
distribution benefitting the YMCA of the USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, National 4-H and
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Through these
organizations, JCPenney is assisting families with children who are currently not enrolled in
afterschool services or are on the verge of withdrawing due to financial hardship.
“We appreciate the support of JC Penney. Their generosity is helping us to provide services to
the children in the community who need us the most,” stated Anne Hertz, Executive Director of
the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress
The timing of the grants coincides with results from a national study that sought to ascertain how
America’s children are spending their time after school. According to the America After 3PM
report released by the Afterschool Alliance in conjunction with JCPenney Afterschool, reveals that
one out of every four children in America is on their own between 3 to 6 p.m. each school day.
The report shows that a vast majority of parents seek the resources to engage their kids with
adult role models who help foster their social, physical and academic development. JCPenney’s
continuing support of the afterschool cause is helping to build the national afterschool
infrastructure so that program participation can be possible in every JCPenney community.
About JCPenney’s Commitment to Afterschool
As a leading corporate advocate for the afterschool issue, JCPenney works with afterschool
organizations to increase the accessibility and affordability of afterschool programs across the
country. Through its legacy of supporting youth and charitable organizations such as the Boys &
Girls Clubs of America, The Y, National 4-H, United Way and FIRST, JCPenney formalized its
commitment to the afterschool issue by establishing the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, a 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization. Since its inception, more than $100 million has been distributed to
afterschool programs across every JCPenney community thereby making it possible for more
children to participate in life-enriching programs that inspire them to be smart, strong and socially
responsible. For more information, visit www.jcpenneyafterschool.org. Full data from the 2009
America After 3PM report is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org.