After-School Opportunity Lab (A-SOL) received a $100,000 grant from JE Dunn Construction on May 13, 2025.

Founded in 2022 by Lorna Reddicks and Austin Bowyer, A-SOL’s mission is to empower youth in under-resourced communities through faith-based, comprehensive after-school programming.

Building on this foundation, the organization is becoming the first national affiliate of By The Hand Club For Kids, an after-school program in Chicago. This key partnership will expand A-SOL’s impact by enabling them to launch a comprehensive elementary-age literacy intervention program for Dallas students reading below grade level.

“This transformative gift from JE Dunn comes at a pivotal moment for our organization,” said Austin Bowyer, CEO. “South Dallas students facing literacy challenges need safe, supportive environments where they can grow academically, physically, and spiritually. With this generous investment, we’ll be able to welcome our first cohort of elementary students this fall and begin changing the trajectory of their lives. We’re profoundly grateful for partners who share our vision of creating opportunities for children to thrive.”

The grant is part of JE Dunn’s Cornerstone Campaign, which expands the company’s existing annual giving by donating an additional $1 million+ each year. Charities across the United States are selected by employees and vetted by JE Dunn’s Community Impact team and national Cornerstone Committee.

JE Dunn employees chose “Access to safe and supportive spaces for kids in need” as the focus for the 2025 Cornerstone Campaign.

“We are thrilled to launch this new, employee-driven philanthropic strategy as part of our Community Impact. Our employees resoundingly chose to support organizations that create safe and supportive environments for kids in need,” said Nancy Phelps, JE Dunn Community Impact Director. “What an incredible honor to partner with our local communities in shaping a brighter future for the next generation.”

JE Dunn and its employees will work to support the creation of safe spaces like community centers and youth clubs where children can socialize, develop, and engage in extracurricular activities. These efforts aim to reduce bullying and youth violence while fostering mental well-being and personal growth.