TUE, 03/20/2018 - 15:04 RCN NEWSDESK
Covington Independent Public Schools was awarded $1.165 million in grants from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program.
The money will benefit students at Latonia and Glenn O. Swing elementary schools. At Latonia, students will receive access to personalized academic support and a wide array of enrichment activities and clubs, a news release said. Glenn O. Swing will be able to continue its after-school and summer programs for another five years.
The after-school programs aid students in meeting state and local academic standards in core academic subjects through individualized academic support while engaging them in activities such as gardening, dance, robotics, and more.
Students are also fed hot, nutritious meals with help from the Freestore Foodbank.
According to CIPS, students in the programs improve their grades or achieve the highest grade possible.
“In my ten years of working with young people, I have seen firsthand how afterschool programs give students opportunities to explore their interests, while giving parents the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their children are safe and supervised, with engaging, educational activities, after the school day ends,’’ said Tom Haggard, resource development coordinator for Covington Partners, which oversees the after-school programs.
The school district, in partnership with Covington Partners, applied for the grants.
Covington Superintendent Alvin Garrison said he is thankful for the opportunities that the funding provides.
“I appreciate everyone who was involved in writing the grants,’’ he said. “These grants will allow us to offer excellent services and resources. It’s a good day in Covington - now all of our schools will have full afterschool programs. This is great for our students and parents.’’
During the 2016-17 school year, 2,100 students attended afterschool programs in Covington schools.
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program is a U.S. Department of Education program administered through the states, providing grants to schools, youth development agencies, community and faith-based organizations, to provide high quality, expanded learning opportunities outside of the regular school hours for children in a safe and sound educational environment. The program is authorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act.