Savannah Receives Grant to Boost Economic Mobility via Education

Students in Savannah benefiting from educational initiatives supported by a grant.

News Summary

The City of Savannah has received a $20,000 grant from the National League of Cities aimed at enhancing economic mobility through educational initiatives. Funded by the NLC, the grant will support the Jumpstart Program at Groves High School, helping students obtain certifications in early childhood education. Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, expressed gratitude for the investment in youth opportunities, as Savannah joins 11 other municipalities benefiting from similar funding to foster economic stability and provide pathways to success for its young population.

Savannah Receives $20,000 Grant from National League of Cities to Enhance Economic Mobility through Educational Initiatives

The City of Savannah has been awarded a $20,000 Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant from the National League of Cities (NLC). This funding aims to support innovative strategies that promote upward economic mobility among its residents, particularly youth. The grant will be managed by the City’s Human Services department as part of a six-month initiative to enhance local educational programs and career opportunities.

The primary focus of the grant will assist the Jumpstart Program, which is dedicated to helping high school students earn industry-recognized certifications. A key aspect of this initiative is a new partnership with Groves High School, where scholarships will be provided for students participating in the school’s childcare track. This will enable them to obtain a Child Development Association (CDA) certification, a valuable credential in the early childhood education sector.

Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, expressed gratitude for the NLC’s investment in youth opportunities, recognizing the significance of such programs in promoting financial mobility for Savannah’s youth. The city is one of just 12 municipalities chosen for this initiative, which is supported by the Gates Foundation. Other selected cities include Antioch, Chelsea, East Providence, Evanston, Fort Lauderdale, Hamtramck, Houston, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Pinedale, and Young Harris, each of which will also benefit from similar funding.

City Manager Jay Melder emphasized the importance of exploring avenues to improve the quality of life and economic mobility for residents. The Jumpstart Program is deemed essential for securing pathways to financial stability for Savannah’s young population, providing them with necessary skills and certifications to facilitate their entry into the workforce.

The NLC has a track record of supporting local governments, having previously awarded over $350,000 in grants to 20 municipalities in recent years. Savannah’s team plans to participate in a joint economic mobility conference in October 2025 alongside 23 other municipalities that have also received grants, with the goal of sharing knowledge and best practices to further enhance economic opportunities.

According to the NLC, economic mobility is a critical factor in building thriving communities. The Rapid Grant program is designed to assist local governments in creating pathways to financial stability and long-term prosperity for their residents. The Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant initiative will run until December 31, 2025, allowing ample time for the implementation and evaluation of the funded programs.

This new initiative not only reflects Savannah’s commitment to addressing challenges related to economic disparities but also showcases the collaborative efforts between local governments and national organizations aimed at fostering a brighter future for America’s youth. As educational and economic opportunities expand, Savannah hopes to see a positive impact on the community’s overall socioeconomic landscape.