United Way North Central Florida Awards $20,000 Grant to Aces in Motion Literacy Initiative to Support Youth Development
United Way North Central Florida (UWNCFL) is honored to announce the awarding of a $20,000 grant to Aces in Motion (AIM). AIM is a dynamic, sports-based after-school program dedicated to youth development, where the majority of students are from ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households.
AIM is committed to supporting the whole child and their family—addressing academic, emotional, and socioeconomic needs through holistic, evidence-based programming. The households served at AIM often face challenges accessing high-quality educational resources, including books, tutoring, and extracurricular support. In addition to academic barriers, the financial pressures that many of the families face limit their ability to engage in enrichment activities that support literacy development. AIM addresses these deficits by offering a free, after school program five days per week, with free transportation and supplemental services like free on-site counseling, a dedicated College and Career Coordinator, and a robust enrichment calendar, and more.
Aces in Motion plans to utilize this funding to introduce their new AIM Literacy Initiative that will create a comprehensive system for monitoring literacy development for each student, and provide individualized literacy interventions. As a critical supplement, AIM will continue its longstanding partnership with PEAK Literacy. In coordination with PEAK Literacy, AIM plans to expand their partnership to serve more students and to increase the frequency with which they receive services in order to increase impact. This collaboration will ensure that each student receives the personalized support they need to thrive.
"Literacy is the foundation for lifelong success, yet too many children face barriers that limit their potential," said Amber Miller, President and CEO of United Way North Central Florida. She continued, "This grant to Aces in Motion will help break down barriers for ALICE households by providing individualized literacy support and resources for middle-to-high school students, ensuring these children have the opportunity to thrive academically and build a brighter future."
The AIM Literacy Initiative aligns closely with UWNCFL’s Youth Opportunity focus by removing barriers to academic success and directly supporting ALICE households. UWNCFL’s investment in Aces in Motion aligns with its overarching mission to enhance lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities for the common good. With a focus on four key impact areas—financial security, healthy community, youth opportunity, and community resiliency—and utilizing ALICE data, UWNCFL directs funding towards nonprofit programs that are in alignment with the organization’s strategic funding initiatives.
The grant is expected to have a significant impact, particularly for families where access to support services is limited due to economic factors. By focusing on ALICE households, this initiative ensures that those who are working hard to make ends meet receive the necessary support to overcome immediate challenges and build a more financially secure future.
Community engagement and support are vital for the success of these initiatives. United Way North Central Florida invites local residents, businesses, and organizations to contribute to their mission by volunteering, donating, or advocating for the needs of ALICE households. Together, these collective efforts will strengthen the fabric of community and contribute to a more resilient society.