Kids First!, a Virgin Islands-based non-profit that supports education on St. John, has awarded the largest grant they have ever given. Financial aid of $33,000 has been made so that needs-based children can attend Gifft Hill School’s Camp Barracuda and their Early Learning Program. This is the fifth grant Kids First! has made to Gifft Hill School for a total of $113,000 awarded over the past three years.
Bruce Claflin, president of Kids First! said, “The most important time in a child’s development is from birth to age 8. If during that time children are exposed to fun, stimulating, learning experiences, their chance of success in school and beyond increases greatly. Gifft Hill School offers that type of learning environment for younger children, but the cost of attending has often been too much for St. John families. By providing this financial aid, more children can attend Gifft Hill School programs while generating much needed revenue for the school.”
This is the first grant Kids First! has ever made to support summer learning activities for island children. Research shows that gains students make during the school year are often lost if they are not exposed to stimulating experiences over the summer. Gifft Hill School’s “Camp Barracuda” provides exactly that kind of experience. That is why Kids First! is making this first ever summer program grant.
Parents or guardians who are interested in applying for financial aid should complete GHS enrollment documents, FACTS Grant and Aid application and scholarship application. Please contact Angelita Bolques in the lower campus office for assistance with this process at 776-6595.