Project Transformation Oklahoma impacted by federal cuts
Funding Terminated
On Monday, April 28, officials with Project Transformation Oklahoma (PTOK) were notified of the immediate termination of their AmeriCorps grant. PTOK is the conference’s summer literacy day camp which assists elementary children behind in their reading who live in under-served households and communities.
PTOK has received an AmeriCorps grant for this vital work since 2004. All of Oklahoma’s AmeriCorps state programs were terminated as a part of the federal government’s efficiency program, commonly referred to as DOGE, without warning on Friday, April 25.
According to program director Marla Lobo, “The news was quite shocking since these grant monies were appropriated by Congress.”
The 8-week day camp program ensures that each participating child reads 30-minutes a day with an adult volunteer and participates in art, recreation, STEM, and other enrichment activities. Children also receive a healthy breakfast, lunch and snack. PTOK is offered free of charge to participating families.
In the twenty-three year history of PTOK, 97% of participating children have improved or maintained their reading level.
What’s next?
“This year, we’ve hired 39 college-age young adults from 12 Oklahoma colleges and universities to lead our camps each day,” said Lobo.
Over 300 elementary-age children are anticipated at the six sites, which include the communities of El Reno, Muskogee, Oklahoma City, Ponca City, Shawnee, and Tulsa. It is expected that 57,600 hours of learning engagement and 19,200 meals will be served
“While we will honor our commitment to host PTOK day camps at our six locations despite this funding loss, we must consider the long-term implications for our program,” concluded Lobo.
Derrek Belase, executive director of Connectional Ministries praised the PTOK board and staff for their work. “I am thankful to the foresight of director Marla Lobo and her colleague who have positioned this program to move forward even in these trying circumstances,” said Belase.
How can you help?
Donations to Project Transformation Oklahoma can be made at this site. All donations are tax deductible.
You can also contact your congressional representative or senator to alert them to this situation and call their attention to this injustice.