Weekly Media Roundup: August 13, 2025

How a Local Nonprofit Empowers Pacific Islander Students Through Cultural Pride, KING 5 (Washington)

To support Pacific Islander students in King County, Washington, the Education with Purpose Foundation for Pacific Islanders provides comprehensive afterschool programs offering career exploration, mentorship, and activities related to Pacific Islander languages, cultures and history. Founder and Executive Director Naomi Mulitauaopele Tagaleo'o created the foundation after her son struggled to see his cultural identity reflected at his school. “We’re part of the community,” Mulitauaopele Tagaleo'o told KING 5. “The community needs to work well with the schools and the schools need to work well with the homes. What the Education with Purpose Foundation does — we bridge that gap.”

Micah House Gifts 1,300 Backpacks to Students, Redlands Community News (California)

In preparation for the new school year, Micah House hosted its annual Back2School Jam, collecting 1,300 backpacks filled with school supplies for students in need. More than 1,000 people attended the afterschool program’s community event in Yucaipa, California. "The Back2School Jam is more than a backpack giveaway—it’s a powerful reminder to our youth that their community believes in them,” Micah House Executive Director Emma Osterberg de Rodas told the Redlands Community News. “With support from the city of Redlands, the Redlands Police Department, and over 35 churches, nonprofits, and local businesses, we’re coming together to equip students not just with supplies, but with confidence, encouragement and a sense of belonging. We’re telling them that they are worth it and this is going to be a great school year.”

Thank You to Those Providing Engaging Summer Activities, The Monroe Times (Wisconsin)

In a recent letter to the editor for the Monroe Times, Monroe, Wisconsin mom Clare Cook extends gratitude toward out-of-school time professionals working in summer youth programs. Cook shares that her daughters benefited enormously from fun, educational summer programming held by the Monroe Public Library, the Monroe Theatre Guild, Monroe Parks and Recreation, the Monroe Arts Center, and their public school district. “All of these programs were led by adults and teenagers who demonstrated enthusiasm and care for the kids, and I find it heartening to know that there are so many dedicated to supporting and encouraging our youth through these diverse opportunities and activities,” Cook writes.

Salvation Army Amphi Corps Low-Cost After-School Program Offers Students A Place to Grow, ABC News 9 (Arizona)

At the Salvation Army Amphi Corps afterschool program in Tucson, Arizona, first through fifth grade students enjoy arts and crafts, sports, music, homework support and snacks in a safe, nurturing environment.  “We want families to know this is more than an afterschool program. It’s a place of hope,” Lieutenant John Mercer, a former participant and now director of the afterschool program, told ABC News 9. “We’re here to walk alongside these children and their families, providing tools that make a lasting difference.”  The Salvation Army program offers expanded hours on early release school days that include additional life skills and character-building opportunities similar to the Boys and Girl Scout badge programs.