21st Century Community Learning Center to open at high school

CHESAPEAKE — The Chesapeake Union Exempted Village School District received good news this week when the 21st Century Community Learning Center grants awards were announced by the Ohio Department of Education.

Through a series of planning meetings held over the past 18 months with school administrators, grant consultant and community partners, a grant application was developed to meet the unique needs of high school students.

“We are pleased to learn the great news about the grant award and are excited about the opportunities this will provide our high school students,” said Scott Howard, Chesapeake Superintendent. “Our aim is to make this program an enjoyable and supportive experience for the students. We are very appreciative of the support that was provided by our lead community partner, Ohio University Southern Campus as well as the grant writing and technical support provided by the Gallia Vinton Educational Service Center.”

Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, Chesapeake High School students will enjoy an after-school program that operates 12 hours per week at the high school building.

It is anticipated that the program, called “P.E.A.K.E.,” will open by Oct. 8 and serve 60 students and 35 families.

The lead community partner for the program is Ohio University Southern Campus. Grant coordination and management is provided by the Gallia-Vinton Educational Service Center, a provider of 15 current 21st Century Community Learning Centers and recipient of multiple exemplary after school program awards at the state and national level.

“Having an after school program in each of our three buildings is a tremendous benefit to our students and will allow staff and administration to plan after school programs in a more comprehensive manner,” said Howard. “Among other things, the extra support provided to our students should have a positive impact on student achievement results and improve our graduation rate. The high school award totals $850,000 over a five-year period. The three grant awards received by the district total $2.5 million.”

A 21st Century Community Learning Center is a place that offers programs and services that benefit the educational and related health, social services, cultural and recreational needs of a community.

These centers serve as safe and nurturing environments where students participate in enriching activities during times when school is not in session. The centers also provide opportunities for literacy or educational services to the families of students participating in the program.

Additionally, programs result from dedicated partnerships among school and community-based organizations to meet the unique needs of their communities.

The purpose of the program is authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The program provides for after school academic enrichment opportunities for students to help them meet local and state academic standards in subjects such as reading, mathematics, and science.

Programs may also provide youth development activities, drug and violence prevention, art, music, character education, expanded library hours, parent and family engagement activities, health and nutrition, telecommunication and recreation to enhance the program’s academic components.