NextGen Rochester Funds Field Trips for Kids at Volunteers of America

NextGen Rochester recently awarded a $2,310 grant to Volunteers of America’s (VOA) School-Age Program, which serves more than 100 children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old.  The VOA School-Age Program provides at-risk children with quality care in a safe, loving environment, while promoting their social, cognitive, emotional and physical development.  This program offers care before and after school, during school breaks and throughout the summer for elementary school children.

The grant from NextGen Rochester will be used to take the 110 children in the program on three field trips, which will expand their horizons while reinforcing academic skills they’re learning about in school and do so in a “see and touch” environment.  Upcoming field trips will be planned in February, April and June to coincide with school breaks and the start of summer vacation.  Selected field trips include visits to the Rochester Public Market, the Genesee Country Village & Museum and Strong Children’s Museum (or the Rochester Museum & Science Center). 

“We are so appreciative to NextGen Rochester for selecting our after-school program to receive this grant funding,” commented Rob Stedman, Vice President of Services for Children & Families at Volunteers of America.  “Many of the children and families we serve don’t have the extra income to spend on a museum visit or even the bus fare necessary for a free event, like a festival.  These school-age field trips will introduce the children to new experiences, reinforce learning opportunities and provide them with fun, enriched outings.”