Getting access to quality STEM programs outside the classroom can be difficult for underserved children who can’t afford it, but an initiative in Loudoun County is helping change that. 7News’ Kellye Lynn recently met the founder of “Educating With Love” in Leesburg to learn more.

Every child deserves supplementary education to learn something they might not be able to due to limited finances. Educating With Love introduces students to everything from science to cooking to music, serving hundreds of students every year from kindergarten all the way up to the 12th grade.

“We have a consistent nine-week summer camp for free from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout Loudoun County,” The Very Rev. Daniel Vélez-Rivera said. “Our primary goal is to keep this program consistent, and you’re able to do that by keeping the staff consistent. You want to make sure you properly compensate these individuals who are so valuable to getting things taken care of.”

Vélez-Rivera said that they need more resources to help pay for their limited staff. Lynn then surprised Father Daniel with an $1,100 check from Easterns Automotive Group as a part of the 7News Helping Hands initiative.

“You know there’s a saying in my home country in Puerto Rico that every grain of sand makes a big beach. This is part of the big beach. We’re really grateful!” Vélez-Rivera said.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe every child deserves the chance to explore their potential, whether that is through education, creativity, or community involvement. We are proud to support programs like Educating With Love that bring opportunity and inspiration to our future generation.