Grant to benefit Greene, Fayette schools
news@greenecountymessenger.com
The East End United Community Center will receive $2.5 million for the next five years to provide out-of-school services to hundreds of students in the Central Greene and Uniontown Area school districts.
鈥淭his program is aimed to provide youth with academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours,鈥� said EEUCC Executive Director Steve Strange. 鈥淲e wanted to make sure that we received the grant this year so we could keep the program going.鈥�
Strange said $1,800 will be allocated for each student who participates in the program to provide them with personal attention and school supplies. A total of $499,999 will be allocated each year through the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Cohort 11 grant.
Strange said the program focuses on less fortunate students within certain areas.
During the summer, Jessica Lawson, EEUCC administrative assistant, said students in grades 1-5 at Ben Franklin and Lafayette elementary schools in the Uniontown Area School District will come into the center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to receive help through the program as well as hot meals.
Strange added that the program is designed to help students meet state and local academic standards in core academic subjects.
Starting on Monday, Oct. 3, Strange said the program will provide academic enrichment opportunities to students in grades 1 through 5 at those two schools.
The Uniontown-area schools will focus on after-school programming at EEUCC from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The Greene County students will attend Waynesburg Central School from 3:15 to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Lawson said both programs will follow school district scheduling, and transportation will be provided.
鈥淒istrict partnerships with Uniontown Area School District and Central Greene School District will play an essential role in ensuring the success of this grant,鈥� Strange said.
Strange said the East End United Community Center has a great history with both school districts and has received previous grants administrated over many years.
鈥淥ur mission is to advance the growth and well-being of individuals and families by providing educational, social, economic and cultural opportunities to our community,鈥� he added. 鈥淥ur vision is a thriving community where everyone is valued.鈥�
Strange said the grant funding was welcome news.
鈥淭he current grant was getting ready to come to an end. I鈥檓 pretty proud of the fact that it will continue for another five years,鈥� he said.
Lawson said her 5-year-old son Leo participates in the Little Legends program at the EEUCC. Leo will also plays football for the Little Red Raiders.
鈥淭he kids just love it here,鈥� Lawson said. 鈥淭he people who work here have good hearts, and loving the children is what it is all about.鈥�