Grants Available for Academic Enrichment Programs
Nashville, TN - The Tennessee Department of Education announced today that grant funding is being made available to school districts, community agencies, and non profits to operate 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Lottery for Education: After-school Programs (LEAP). Applications for these programs that focus on students from high poverty schools and schools in need of academic improvement will receive competitive priority.
“These grant programs provide much-needed resources for boosting student achievement,” Assistant Commissioner for Resources and Support Services Robert Greene said. “Many families need access to the high quality after school instruction and activities that these programs provide.”
The department will host workshops for potential grantees to understand the application process, requirements and selection criteria. Complete application packages and workshop details are available on the Department’s Web site. The deadline for submissions is May 16th.
“Any opportunity to reinforce learning in the classroom helps students retain information and gain a deeper understanding of the material,” said Laura Nichols, Director of Extended Learning Programs and Character Education. “These experiences can mean the difference between a confident learner and a student falling behind.”
LEAP provides academic enrichment opportunities for Tennessee students through unclaimed lottery winnings. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is a federally funded initiative operated through Tennessee’s Office of School Safety and Learning Support.
Grants of $50,000 to $110,000 are awarded through the 21st Century program for a three-year period and may be renewable for a two-year period if the program makes adequate yearly progress. LEAP grant amounts will be based on available funds.
For program details, visit: http://state.tn.us/education/learningsupport/extendedlearning.shtml For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.