|
The
United States Department of Education announced that the
Afterschool for Children and Teens Now Coalition (ACT Now), an
organization that supports after-school programs and community
schools statewide, was awarded a five-year grant with an annual
award for each grant of up to $9.4 million. This will total
$94,204,000 for Illinois schools over five years.
"From the federal government, we've really seen a priority in
funding this framework of learning and support," said Emma
Spencer, policy and communications manager with ACT Now.
Full-service Community Schools are partnerships between schools
and surrounding community resources, with a focus on academics,
health and social services, youth and community development, and
family and community engagement.
Spencer said ACT Now plans to partner with the Illinois State
Board of Education and school districts throughout the state to
implement the community schools model.
"We're looking for work with about sixteen school districts
statewide, not only downstate, but certainly in newer areas of
Illinois where there hasn't necessarily been this model before,"
said Spencer.
She adds that the funding through the Full-Service Community
Schools (FSCS) Grant Program will provide support for the
planning, implementation, and operation of full-service
community schools, particularly for children attending
high-poverty rural schools. This includes after school programs.
"Most community schools will have a before-care program or
after-school program, then put on different types of family
engagement opportunities for community members," she said.
Spencer said more about how school districts and community-based
organizations can be involved in this effort will be
forthcoming.
|
|
