#United States #Oklahoma City #Arnold Ventures #Kevin Stitt #Be A Neighbor

Oklahoma's Youth Empowerment: A $10 Million Initiative

In a groundbreaking effort to enhance outcomes for young people in Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt has partnered with Arnold Ventures, a philanthropic organization committed to addressing the root causes of pressing social issues. The two entities announced a $10 million matching initiative under the 'Be A Neighbor' program, aiming to expand opportunities for the state's youth through effective community-driven programs.

The initiative, hosted by the Department of Human Services (DHS), will leverage state funds by matching them dollar-for-dollar with donations from Arnold Ventures, potentially doubling the investment to a total of $20 million over the next four years. This ambitious collaboration focuses on empowering organizations and programs that have demonstrated success in unlocking the potential of Oklahoma’s youth.

Governor Stitt expressed his pride in leading this initiative, stating, "Oklahoma is proud to lead the way in supporting effective community programs that deliver results and a brighter future for our young people." He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every child in the state has access to quality education and resources necessary for personal growth and success.

Laura Arnold, co-chair of Arnold Ventures, highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions in addressing complex issues facing families and children today. She noted, "With policymakers facing increasingly complex problems and the need to balance budgets, it's crucial to support strategies with the greatest potential to drive real, measurable outcomes for children, families, and communities."

Targeted Initiatives for Effective Results

The 'Be A Neighbor' initiative will commence by focusing on specific programs known for their effectiveness, such as:

• - Saga Tutoring: This program offers targeted math tutoring for 9th and 10th graders in underprivileged high schools. Research has shown that students who participate in Saga demonstrated notable improvements in their math achievements through intensive support.

• - Wendy’s Wonderful Kids: This initiative aims to recruit adoptive families for children in foster care. Studies indicate that this program significantly increases adoption rates, addressing one of the most critical issues in child welfare.

The collaboration also involves the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying and promoting evidence-based strategies. This coalition will play an essential role in identifying promising programs, scaling initiatives effectively, and ensuring sustainable funding at both state and local levels.

Jon Baron, President of the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy, remarked on the importance of this partnership, stating, "In recent years, we've made tremendous progress in identifying programs that produce meaningful, lasting improvements in people's lives. Governor Stitt and Arnold Ventures are now taking the critical next step—implementing and scaling these proven programs to build a better future for the youth and families of Oklahoma."

Encouragement for Participation

The initiative is intended for various stakeholders, including public school districts and community organizations. Those interested in accessing the matching funds are encouraged to reach out directly to the Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives in Oklahoma for more information on how to participate.

Conclusion

With Arnold Ventures' focus on systemic change and evidence-based solutions, this partnership aims not only to provide immediate support for youth programs but also to pave the way for long-term improvements in education and community resources in Oklahoma. By engaging effective community initiatives, Governor Stitt and Arnold Ventures are committed to creating a legacy of opportunity and success for future generations of Oklahomans.