LG&E and KU Foundation funding Louisville and Lexington agencies offering help during pandemic
(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) — As virtual instruction continues across Kentucky, the ongoing work of schools and agencies providing non-traditional instruction (NTI) support continues to be critical for students and their families. In many cases, the work of these agencies helps bridge the achievement gap for students of color and their families, who may not have the resources or access necessary, and eases the burden for working parents who aren’t able to stay home to assist with their child’s virtual schooling.
To help NTI support agencies continue this vital work, the LG&E and KU Foundation is contributing $100,000 in grants to seven organizations in Louisville and Lexington. The organizations include AMPED, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana, Evolve502, MOLO Village and Neighborhood House in Louisville; and YMCA of Central Kentucky and The Black Male Working Academy in Lexington.
“We know that educational achievement gaps for students of color existed in our community prior to the pandemic, and non-traditional instruction threatens to widen that gap even further,” said LG&E and KU President and CEO Paul W. Thompson. “The services these agencies provide — by offering locations for learning hubs, access to substitute teachers, tech support, emotional and social support and mentoring — can help stop that learning loss for our students. Eliminating that gap is our ultimate goal.”
“We are pleased to expand our partnership with LG&E and KU in an initiative that is critical to ensure children have equal and equitable access to opportunities where they continue to learn, grow and thrive. Their support provides us with an amazing opportunity to expand our efforts of offering academic and enrichment support to more students through YMCA Learning Labs,” said YMCA of Central Kentucky Vice President of Mission Advancement Jessica Berry. “As an organization dedicated to youth development, we know how important it is that all children have a safe and enriching environment for learning, and that’s why the Y has been stepping in to fill the gaps to changing community needs. Being a resource for children and families during this time is part of our promise to strengthen community.”
“Supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana during this uncertain time is offering relief for nearly 200 youth and their families and assisting them on their NTI journey,” said CEO Jennifer Helgeson. “For many of our members, the arrival at the Club starts their school day. Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana has assisted members in making up more than 400 missing assignments, in addition to providing small learning hubs for one-on-one attention that members need to succeed."
The LG&E and KU Foundation’s funding to Evolve502 will support its work as a facilitator for learning hubs through the organization’s partnership with JCPS to connect certified substitute teachers with community agencies providing NTI support. The remaining grants will directly assist each agency’s respective NTI program.
Throughout 2020, LG&E and KU along with its employees and the LG&E and KU Foundation have contributed nearly $7 million to non-profit agencies that help advance communities across the utilities’ service territories and support those in need. LG&E and KU have pledged their commitment to maintaining a diverse workforce and furthering initiatives that advance diversity and inclusion-related efforts across the commonwealth.
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Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 329,000 natural gas and 418,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 558,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com and www.pplweb.com.
