United Way of Lancaster County, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lancaster, has announced the 2025 Summer Youth Experience (SYE) grant recipients. This collaborative initiative awards funding to local nonprofits that provide enriching summer learning opportunities for youths ages 5 to 17 across Lancaster County.

This year, $60,000 has been awarded to organizations that will offer high-quality educational programming to combat learning loss during the summer months, with half of the funding provided by Lancaster Rotary. The 2025 SYE grantees are Advantage Lancaster, Horizons at Lancaster Country Day, Music for Everyone, and The Mix.

To qualify for funding, nonprofit organizations must meet a series of criteria, including demonstrating clear educational outcomes, engaging youths in skill-building and civic responsibility, and collaborating with other community groups. At the conclusion of each program, grantees are required to submit outcome reports that highlight youth growth in areas such as life skills, self-confidence, and community engagement.

Since its inception in 2006, the SYE has supported programs that focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education, as well as social-emotional learning and leadership development. To learn more about the Summer Youth Experience, visit http://www.uwlanc.org/funding-opportunities/.