The following is a news release from the Idaho State Department of Education:
BOISE – The Idaho State Department of Education will award $1.5 million in grants to fund afterschool programs across the state in the upcoming 2012-2013 school year. Now is the time for school districts and other organizations to apply.
The funding is available through the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, which is designed to provide academic enrichment opportunities, art, music, recreation, sports, drug and violence prevention and youth development activities to students during non-school hours. The State Department of Education currently funds 77 afterschool centers that serve 17,023 youth throughout Idaho.
“Quality afterschool programs provide critical academic and social enrichment for students after the school day ends, which is when most risk behaviors occur,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna. “We know these afterschool programs are effective in helping to raise student achievement and to reduce juvenile delinquency.”
School districts, municipalities, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and private corporations are eligible for these grants. Successful applicants will receive funding for up to five years. Grant applications are due January 27, 2012.
Those considering applying for funding are strongly encouraged to attend a Bidder’s Workshop. The following workshops are open to any interested party:
• Thursday, November 15: Red Lion Hotel, 1357 Blue Lake, Twin Falls
• Wednesday, November 16: Emerson Innovation Center, 335 5th St, Room A6, Idaho Falls
• Thursday, November 17: Lewiston School District Admin Building, 3317 12th St, Board Room, Lewiston
• Tuesday, November 29: Best Western Plus Vista Inn, 2645 Airport Way, Boise
• Thursday, December 1: Nampa School District, 619 S Canyon, Board Room, Nampa
All workshops will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break. All workshops are free. To register for the workshops or to view the grant application, please visit http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/cclc/grants.htm or contact Camille McCashland, Program Specialist, at (208) 332-6960.
Participants should download and review the application prior to the workshop.
