Expanding Access: 502 Kids Served Through the #areuin? Card Program During the 2024-2025 School Year

The #areuin? card program continues to grow year over year, and last year was no exception. During the 2024–2025 school year, 502 kids received an #areuin? card, up from 395 the year before. That’s more than a 25% increase in youth who were able to participate in sports, arts, camps, and other out-of-school activities they may not otherwise have been able to afford.

As reported by our program partners, the #areuin? card was used 718 times, a 62% increase from the prior year. Many #areuin? kids used their card to access more than one program, participating in diverse activities such as sports, theatre, art classes, and summer camps. Our generous partners collectively provided $163,384 in scholarships and discounts to #areuin? card members. This is an 18% increase in scholarship and discount dollars from the 2023-2024 school year.

Who are the #areuin? card members?

We’re proud that the #areuin? card program serves youth from a range of communities and backgrounds. Of the 502 youth served, over half of the students were in elementary school, 64%, while 27% were in middle school, and 9% high school. Gender tilted slightly in favor of males, 55%, while 43% were female, and 2% identified as non-binary or transgender or preferred not to respond. The majority, 78%, identified as white. 5% identified as Black or African American, 4% Hispanic or Latin, 2% Asian, and 1% American Indian/Alaska Native. 10% preferred not to respond.

The impact of the #areuin? card program

The KEY Collective’s #areuin? card gives kids and their families a level playing field.  The families we work with are focused on the basic necessities such as having a roof over their heads, getting to/from work & school, and putting food on the table. Many times families have no idea that there are so many incredible opportunities out there for their kids to participate in.  

That’s where KEY Collective comes in by providing a one-stop shop of program offerings for families, making it easy to find a program of interest for their kids, and when it is time for them to register for a program, they don’t have to fill out any additional financial paperwork or have uncomfortable conversations. Their #areuin? card automatically qualifies them for the scholarships and discounts that our partners provide - no red tape, no social stigma. 

Thanks to our generous partners and supportive community, more kids than ever are discovering new activities across the Seacoast. Behind every number is a story — a kid who got to try something new, a family who felt included, and a community that continues to step up and say yes to youth access and inclusion.