ERIE, PA \u2014 More than $65 million in new state funding is being deployed to expand youth safety and afterschool programs across Pennsylvania, as officials warn demand for prevention resources continues to outpace available funding.<\/p>\n
What This Means for You<\/p>\n
New funding is expanding afterschool and violence prevention programs
\nLocal schools and nonprofits are receiving grants for youth services
\nState leaders are seeking additional funding to meet growing demand<\/p>\n
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis on Monday highlighted the latest round of investments in the state\u2019s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) and Building Opportunities through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) programs during visits to newly funded sites in Erie and Mercer counties.<\/p>\n
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), which Davis chairs, recently approved 177 projects statewide, distributing more than $65 million in grants aimed at reducing violence and expanding opportunities for young people.<\/p>\n
Local Investments in Youth Programs<\/p>\n
At the YMCA of Greater Erie, a $493,286 BOOST grant will expand its afterschool Teen Center program, serving approximately 250 middle and high school students in the Erie City School District.<\/p>\n
An additional $49,996 VIP grant was awarded to United Way of Erie County to launch an \u201cIntro to Sports\u201d program for about 280 elementary students across 10 Erie public schools.<\/p>\n
In Mercer County, the Farrell Area School District received a $418,668 BOOST grant to support a new afterschool program and enhance existing school safety and mental health initiatives.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese investments are about providing a place where our youth feel safe and stay engaged after the school bell rings,\u201d Davis said.<\/p>\n
Addressing Violence Through Prevention<\/p>\n
The VIP program funds initiatives designed to reduce gun violence and community harm, while BOOST supports afterschool and out-of-school programs that provide structured, supervised environments for students.<\/p>\n
Officials say these programs are part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of violence by increasing access to safe spaces, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities.<\/p>\n
Since taking office, the Shapiro-Davis Administration has directed more than $1 billion through 6,764 grants to support violence prevention and public safety efforts statewide.<\/p>\n
Growing Demand for Funding<\/p>\n
Applications for the latest funding round far exceeded available resources. PCCD received requests from 464 organizations seeking more than $158 million, compared to approximately $62 million available for the 2025\u201326 fiscal year.<\/p>\n
More than three-quarters of applicants requested funding for youth-focused prevention programs, reflecting strong demand for services aimed at reducing long-term violence.<\/p>\n
Budget and Future Funding<\/p>\n
The governor\u2019s proposed 2026\u201327 budget includes a $5.2 million increase for the VIP program and a $1 million increase for BOOST, bringing the total proposed investment to approximately $68.3 million.<\/p>\n
Officials said the additional funding is intended to expand program reach and address unmet needs across communities.<\/p>\n
Measured Outcomes<\/p>\n
State officials reported declines in several key crime categories since 2023, including a 40 percent drop in firearm-related crime, a 35 percent decrease in homicides, and a 26 percent reduction in assaults.<\/p>\n