ICYMI: Cárdenas Presents $2 Million to Mid Valley YMCA in Van Nuys for STEM and Civics Education Expansion
LOS ANGELES, CA — Yesterday, Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) announced $2 million in Community Project Funding the Mid Valley YMCA in Van Nuys to expand their Science Technology Education Mathematics (STEM) and Civics Education department. Currently, the Mid Valley YMCA offers a hands-on youth and government program that provides outstanding statewide civic engagement, and educational and social experiences, engaged with over 60 delegations and 1300 students across California. In addition, the YMCA offers a rigorous program that introduces youth to STEM programming and emphasizes the importance of gender equity in the STEM field. Additional funds will ensure the continuance and expansion of this critical programming that has supported youth and families since 1960.
“As elected officials, our number one priority is to take care of the people living in our home communities. Including programs for organizations like the Y in our federal budget is a critical step towards making direct impact on the lives of our neighbors,” said Congressman Cárdenas.“As an engineer myself, I understand the power of STEM education and its potential to change lives. That’s why we need to encourage more Latinos and students of color from communities like ours to pursue STEM careers and dream big.”
“We are grateful to Congressmember Tony Cardenas for his leadership and support in securing the funds to allow us to continue providing access to STEM and civic education programs at our San Fernando Valley YMCAs,” said Victor Dominquez, CEO & President, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. “These vital programs give young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to reach their full potential and grow into a new generation of community change-makers.”
For the second time since 2009, Congress passed Community Project Funding, the money requested by Members of Congress to meet the needs of their district. Congressman Cárdenas submitted 15 requests to the Appropriations Committee, all of which were passed in the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations federal funding package. The over $26 million going to the Northeast San Fernando Valley will support job creation, youth programs, mental health care, community empowerment, improvements to healthcare and more.
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles:The YMCA-LA is committed to rebuilding communities by providing equitable programs and services to empower all Angelenos. The Y-LA is focused on fighting food insecurity, providing equity in education, making sure every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of sports, ensuring kids and teens have a safe place to grow, learn and live a healthy lifestyle. The LA-Y’s health and wellness initiatives offer medical and mental health resources to ensure everyone has access to basic health needs. During the pandemic, the LA-Y became the safety net for millions of Angelenos. They provided millions of meals, hundreds of thousands of hours of free childcare, arranged critical blood drives, provided showers for the homeless, flu and COVID vaccines as well as medical and mental health assistance. Visit https://www.ymcala.orgfor more information. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram orTwitter.
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