Working together in school systems today is about building for tomorrow.

This is the thought process by a handful of schools in Lawrence and Scioto counties who are partnering to seek $5 million in grant funding over the next five years that will be used towards programs to better connect the schools, the business community and higher education.

The overall goal is to have better trained students that can be part of the future. As part of the Obama administration’s stimulus funding, these dollars can be used towards developing programs that will better connect all those various partnerships to better strengthen the community and to increase learning opportunities outside the classroom.

Another key component of this program is keeping students learning even after they graduate from high school.

It is specifically designed to increase the number of students attending college or post secondary education.

Many times this is the difference between success and failure.

We applaud the seven districts in Lawrence and Scioto counties for participating and hope the other area schools get on board in the future.

This program should be funded and hopefully will continue to expand to offer these opportunities to all of our children.