Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced $25,000 in state funding to support Wildwood Programs Inc., on Tuesday, August 10. The funding, which Santabarbara secured in the 2021-22 state budget, will go towards the Wildwood Summer Extension Program.

“As the father of a son with autism, I know firsthand that it’s important to find fun and engaging ways to ensure our students keep up with their education – especially for those with developmental disabilities who are at a greater risk of falling behind during the summer months,” said Santabarbara. “I’m grateful to services such as the Wildwood Summer Extension Program that do incredible work in helping to boost graduation rates and ensure individuals with disabilities can live more independent and fulfilling lives. Because the COVID-19 pandemic forced many of these programs to close, they now need as much support as they can get as they restart.”

Wildwood Programs Inc. was created in 1967 to provide support and services to people of all ages with conditions such as developmental disabilities, complex learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Its programs offer comprehensive educational services for these students to prepare them to be as independent as possible through teaching them a blend of academic, social, employment and functional skills.^[1]

“For nearly 50 years, Camp Wildwood, the Wildwood School Summer Extension Program, has provided a unique special education opportunity in a summer camp setting. The students’ individual education goals are met while they have the opportunity to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating and a host of summer activities in a supported environment. On behalf of everyone in the Wildwood family, we extend the warmest thanks to Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara for being a tireless advocate for people with disabilities and for supporting the mission of our organization,” Lou Deepe, Wildwood’s Chief Executive Officer, said.

The funding will go to the Wildwood Summer Extension Program, a comprehensive program for currently enrolled students which addresses extended school year goals and related services. The summer program offers an outdoor educational environment that includes classrooms in an open pavilion, all related services and physical activity on hiking trails, ball fields, a pond and a swimming pool. The U.S. Department of Education recently reported that the graduation rate for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities increased in the 2019-2020 school year to 68.2%.^[2] While this is a great victory, we can always continue to strive for greater progress through critical services like this program, noted Santabarbara.

^[1] wildwoodschoolsite.com/about-us/

^[2] nces.ed.gov/ccd/tables/ACGR_RE_and_characteristics_2018-19.asp