2023 Grant Recipient
DELTA Foundation Inc.
AWARD: $100,000
FOCUS AREA: EDUCATION
PROJECT: Newburg Expansion
PROJECT IMPACT: DELTA Foundation proposes to expand its after-school programming to the Newburg neighborhood. Currently, Newburg has only one after-school program for the entire zip code. In addition to the enrichment and academic programming, youth will benefit from optional, free, twice weekly individual and/or group therapy sessions on-site.
Organization Statement: DELTA (Developing Educated Leaders Through Athletics) Foundation Inc. is a mentorship program that specializes in helping at-risk young students in Louisville obtain the tools necessary to be successful academically, socially and athletically.
Major Recent Successes:
- More than 80% of Hoops & Homework participants improved their GPA by .5 to 1.5 points, and their reading levels improved by one grade level or more.
- Because of our track record, more youth are attending our programs. We expect to serve over 125 young people this school year.
How this funding will impact this organization:
As a teacher and coach, DELTA founder Wes Hinton witnessed the positive impact sports can have on students’ health and academics. Yet the students who can most benefit from the discipline and social dynamics of school sports often face obstacles to participation such as uniform fees, transportation and limited parental resources.
Wes launched DELTA (Developing Educated Leaders Through Athletics) in 2017 to improve access to sports while incentivizing academic achievement for youth in Louisville’s west end.
DELTA Foundation proposes to expand its after-school programming to the Newburg neighborhood beginning in the Fall of 2023. Currently, Newburg has only one after-school program for the entire zip code. The expansion would begin with Books & Basketball, our one-night per week literacy program for elementary students and then include our four-night per week after-school program, Hoops & Homework. We have already identified rental space at Bethlehem Baptist Church. In addition to the enrichment and academic programming, youth will benefit from optional, free, twice weekly individual and/or group therapy sessions on-site.
Since its founding, DELTA has successfully launched a variety of programs aimed at helping at-risk youth improve on and off the court. Our programs combine athletics, activities and academics in a way that is motivating while promoting self-discipline and leadership.
With a successful track record and the founder's many relationships in the neighborhood, DELTA is perfectly suited to fill the gap for after-school programming in the area.
Wish List:
- Dell Chromebooks (15)
- Optoma X400 Projector
- Bambu Lab 3D Printer
- Wilson Evolution Basketballs (8)