ESF Dream Camp Receives 2024 Grant Funding From USA Swimming Foundation

ESF Dream Camp was chosen as one of 124 youth programs from the USA Swimming Foundation’s nationwide network of swim lesson providers to receive grant money in 2024. The grant award will go toward ESF Dream Camp’s continued efforts to provide a free swim program as part of their Summer Camp. This year, the USA Swimming Foundation has awarded a total of $780,000 in its initial round of funding to programs across the country.

“We are thrilled to be chosen for this grant,” Executive Director of ESF Dream Camp Michael Rouse said. “The money we received will be put toward our goal of every Dream Camp student advancing at least one swim level in this the 2nd year of our swim program.”

ESF Dream Camp Foundation, established in 2002, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that works with youth from historically under-resourced communities in the city of Philadelphia. Unparalleled educational and enrichment opportunities are made possible through ESF Dream Camp's summer camp and after-school programs, both of which are offered free of charge to youth who qualify for the program based on family income. In partnership with families and schools, ESF Dream Camp is developing young leaders who embrace challenges, seize the new opportunities that Dream Camp provides them, and are inspired to dream big.

The USA Swimming Foundation vetted more than 400 applications through a competitive annual review process and chose 124 youth and 38 adult programs to receive funding.

“The USA Swimming Foundation is proud to continue providing Learn-to-Swim opportunities at the local level for both adults and youth,” said USA Swimming Foundation Executive Director Elaine Calip. “With the excitement surrounding U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming and the Olympic Games, we anticipate an increased interest in our sport. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with lesson providers nationwide to keep kids and adults safe in and around the water.”

Millions of individuals have received the lifesaving gift of swim lessons through the USA Swimming Foundation’s network of swim lesson providers, comprised of more than 1,500 qualified lesson providers across the nation. To learn more, visit www.usaswimming.org/foundation.

For more information about USA Swimming Foundation visit www.usaswimming.org.