Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has been designated a grant recipient for 2007-2008 with an award of roughly $600,000 from The Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI) for the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program.
The grant funds will be used to continue building strong relationships with community partners that serve students and families. These funds will be specifically allocated for out-of-school time programs as well as professional development for staff in this field.
Most importantly, it will aid Seattle Public Schools in providing vital academic support to approximately 1,300 students, assisting some of the neediest students in the district.
Students will receive academic/enrichment activities that will assist in reading and math as well as strengthen family engagement, including hosting family events that are open to the entire school community. The grant will also provide language-specific workshops for families to assist their children in adjusting to new school environments.
"This continuing grant is an opportunity to support students not only academically, but also in the social and emotional realms as they make the important but sometimes challenging transition from 5th grade to 6th grade, and from 8th grade into high school," said Lisa Taylor, SPS Supervisor of Community Learning Partnerships.
Seattle Public Schools' model is unique in that, while the district serves as the grantee, it also partners with several community organizations to better serve school communities. These partners include the YMCA of Greater Seattle, Seattle Parks and Recreation, City of Seattle Human Services Department, Tiny Tots Development Center, Powerful Schools and Urban Impact Outreach Ministries.[[In-content Ad]]
