Five Widener projects earn grant money

DELAWARE COUNTY

Five Widener projects earn grant money

CHESTER Five Widener University projects have received mini-grants to support initiatives in Chester.

The Schmutz Student Civic Engagement awards will help fund a documentary on Chester, a science event at the Widener Partnership Charter School, a nutrition program hosted by Soccer for Success, a Healthy Girls of Chester initiative, and a program to help kids from the Boys and Girls Club in Chester learn to swim.

Swimming With Pride is a seven-week program led by Widener students Gina DeFrancisco, Katie Lacouture, and Sara Leonelli.

"I've always been passionate about swimming, but this experience has allowed me to connect with the kids on other levels," said Leonelli, a former member of the Wildcats swim team.

A 2010 study by USA Swimming Foundation found that nearly 70 percent of African American children cannot swim, putting them at a greater risk of drowning.

The grants are made possible by Jack Schmutz, a member of the Academic Affairs committee of the board of trustees. - Mari A. Schaefer