August 26, 2022  3:40 a.m. 

Funds allocated by the Oregon State Legislature helped a number of local organizations provide summer learning opportunities for youth.

A Douglas Education Service District release said $50 million went to help fund statewide K-12 community-based programs through the Oregon Community Summer Grant Program administered by the Oregon Association of Education Service Districts.

A total of $1,476,860 was awarded to eleven nonprofits and government entities in Douglas County. That included the Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley, Camp Millennium, Douglas ESD’s Partner Sports Camp, Elkton Community Education Center, Umpqua Valley Farm to School, Umpqua Valley Youth for Christ and more.

The release said the funds were used to increase access to summer enrichment to provide deeper learning, creative spaces for hands-on projects, environmental education, and opportunities for youth to explore interests and possible career paths. The focus of the grants prioritized historically underserved populations while mitigating the impacts of the pandemic.

ESD said while some funds were used to support existing programs, new opportunities were also created as well. That included collaborations between multiple organizations.

The full list of organizations receiving a share of the funding is listed with this story:

• Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley
• Camp Millennium
• Douglas ESD, Partner Sports Camp
• Douglas ESD, Youth Development
• Elkton Community Education Center
• Mercy Foundation
• Phoenix Charter School of Roseburg
• Roseburg Public Library
• Umpqua Valley Arts Association
• Umpqua Valley Farm to School
• Umpqua Valley Youth for Christ
• YMCA of Douglas County