Matzie: Nearly $750,000 secured for Beaver County youth programs
Will fund new and expanded afterschool and mentoring programs, drug free youth coalition
Rep. Robert F. Matzie April 16, 2026 | 10:37 AM
ALIQUIPPA, April 16 – Two grants totaling nearly $750,000 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will support new and improved programs aimed at steering Beaver County youth away from high-risk behaviors and onto a path for academic success, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.
Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said that a $446,627 grant to Keystone Wellness Programs will fund expanding the Drug Free Aliquippa Youth Coalition, strengthening Aliquippa Impact’s afterschool and summer programs and launching a cross-age mentoring initiative to connect high school coalition leaders with elementary school students.
“Time and again, we’ve seen how these programs reduce absenteeism, boost grades and improve behavior by providing the one-on-one support, mentoring and sense of belonging that some young people may not find elsewhere,” Matzie said. “Those personal and social connections help them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in class and better navigate the world.”
Matzie said that a second grant of $296,300 to the Aliquippa School District will allow the district to launch “The Healthy Minds Club,” a comprehensive afterschool program focused on helping grade school students overcome learning barriers.
“The program will serve about 180 Aliquippa School District students in the first through sixth grades and will offer help with homework, skill building in reading and math, physical wellness sessions, and enrichment activities supported by community organizations,” Matzie said. “I’m grateful to PCCD for the funding and to our community partners who helped make it happen and will play a continuing role in the success of these programs.”
The funding to the Keystone Wellness Programs was awarded under PCCD’s Violence Intervention Program, and the funding to the Aliquippa School District was awarded under PCCD’s Building Opportunities Through Out-of-School Time program. More information about the funding is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pccd/newsroom/new--65m-investment-targets-gun-violence-reduction--afterschool-.