More than $4 million in federal grants was awarded to support afterschool and summer learning programs for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) announced today. The grants are part of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program. This year, the following 13 districts and agencies were chosen:

Washington State University Tri-Cities
Educational Service District 123
Yakima Valley Farm Worker’s
Burlington-Edison School District
ESD 113
ESD 121
Wenatchee School District
Walla Walla School District
Boys and Girls Club of Whatcom County
Northwest Learning and Achievement Group
Orondo School District
White Salmon Valley School District
Taholah School District

In addition to support for core academic subjects, 21st Century Community Learning Centers also provide students with a variety of other activities, such as drug and violence prevention, counseling, art, music, recreation, technology, and character education programs.

“Too many children don’t get enough educational opportunities outside class,” said Chris Reykdal, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “These grants give those students the chance to keep learning after the bell rings and after the school year ends. That will help them keep pace with students who have more educational opportunities.”

The total amount awarded was $4.4 million a year for five years. OSPI received 22 applications, with a total requested funding amount of $7.4 million. Funding comes from Title IV, Part B of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.

Nationwide, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program has an appropriation of $1.2 billion for the 2017-18 school year. Washington currently has 51 projects totaling $17.3 million. Grants are funded for five years.

– OSPI