Local Project Innovation 2021 grant recipients include: - $15,000 Recruitment of Diverse CASA Volunteers: Casa Tarrant County advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children with the help of skilled volunteers. The stress and impact of Covid 19 on many families contributed to a 40% increase of children being removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. Many of these children are from diverse backgrounds. Casa Tarrant County will increase the percentage of volunteers who are of diverse racial, ethnic, language and religious backgrounds to advocate for these children in foster care and meet the critical need. - $10,000 Girls Summer Camp and Mentoring STEM Program: Design Connect serves teenage girls in under-served communities by introducing them to STEM-related programs that lead to professional STEM careers. The summer program will expand to include a virtual coding camp and provide hands-on learning, access to female STEM professionals, opportunities to collaborate and help the students develop stronger problem-solving skills.