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A local nonprofit organization announced today that it will accept a $1.5 million donation from philanthropist Elena Ramirez, a decision she said “just felt like the right thing to do.” The donation will be earmarked for expanding the organization’s after‑school program in the downtown district, which currently serves 350 students each week. Ramirez, who has long been a supporter of community education initiatives, stated that the contribution would help provide additional tutoring, technology resources, and extracurricular activities for underserved youth.

The organization’s executive director, Marcus Lee, explained that the influx of funds will allow the program to double its enrollment capacity over the next two years and to purchase new computers and software licenses for its learning center. According to Lee, the donation also includes a matching component that will encourage local businesses to contribute, potentially raising the total impact to $3 million. The nonprofit’s board approved the acceptance of the gift during a meeting held on Monday, citing the alignment of the donation with its mission to promote academic achievement and life‑skills development.

With the new funding, the organization plans to launch a pilot mentorship program next spring, pairing students with professionals in STEM fields. The expanded program is expected to increase graduation rates and improve college readiness among participants. The nonprofit’s leadership expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized its commitment to leveraging the donation to create lasting educational opportunities for the community.