ERIE, PA — 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.
What This Means for You
- New funding is expanding afterschool and violence prevention programs
- Local schools and nonprofits are receiving grants for youth services
- State leaders are seeking additional funding to meet growing demand
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis on Monday highlighted the latest round of investments in the state’s 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.
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.
Local Investments in Youth Programs
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.
An additional $49,996 VIP grant was awarded to United Way of Erie County to launch an “Intro to Sports” program for about 280 elementary students across 10 Erie public schools.
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.
“These investments are about providing a place where our youth feel safe and stay engaged after the school bell rings,” Davis said.
Addressing Violence Through Prevention
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.
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.
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.
Growing Demand for Funding
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 2025–26 fiscal year.
More than three-quarters of applicants requested funding for youth-focused prevention programs, reflecting strong demand for services aimed at reducing long-term violence.
Budget and Future Funding
The governor’s proposed 2026–27 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.
Officials said the additional funding is intended to expand program reach and address unmet needs across communities.
Measured Outcomes
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.
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