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Earlier this year, JCPenney donated $94,000, which was matched by United Way of Miami-Dade, to raise the achievement levels and strengthen the social skills of minority youth in Miami-Dade County. 

In addition to the grant, The JCPenney Afterschool Fund also donated $9,400 in gift certificates, which were used by participants in the Urban League of Greater Miami's Achievement Matters program. The Achievement Matters program provides students in Liberty City with individualized instruction consisting of reading comprehension, math application, computation, writing, test-taking, study habit, and critical and creative thinking skills.  

Students involved in the program made tremendous gains over the course of the year: 87% of participating students improved their letter grade by the end of the school year; 88% of participating students passed the FCAT; and 97% of participating students increased their PSAT/SAT scores by 200 points; and 97% of participating students demonstrated improvement in their overall academic performance.

The goal of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund is to increase the number of after school programs and promote awareness of the need for quality programs. The multi-million dollar educational fund works with national organizations known for their proven outreach and advocacy programs. 

Here are some pictures taken during program activities: