Abstract
KaBOOM!, the national non-profit dedicated to play, hosts a diverse menu of grant programs to reach children, especially those in disadvantaged communities, across the country. One of the newest and most innovative of these is Play Everywhere, a design competition in which communities develop ways to make play more accessible in public spaces. Since 2015, Play Everywhere has proven successful at increasing play, bringing communities together, and making public spaces safer. Equity of access and the limits of scaling this program are its two greatest challenges. Some of the highest need communities often lack technological tools and dedicated personnel to learn about and apply for KaBOOM! grants. To improve equity of access to grant awards, KaBOOM! should be creative and create inclusive outreach efforts, diversify its funding partner relationships, and stay focused on the mission to make play a reality for all kids.
Shaina Greenberg is a senior at the College of William & Mary double majoring in Government and Psychology. She lives in Centreville, VA and just returned home from a semester abroad in Seville, Spain.
Recommended Citation
Greenberg, Shaina M.
(2019)
"Play Everywhere: An Evaluation of the Wide Ambitions of KaBOOM! and Some Barriers to Access and Equity in Programs,"
VA Engage Journal: Vol. 7, Article 1.
Available at:
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/vaej/vol7/iss1/1