MRNC Receives Grant to Start New After-School Program

Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center has been awarded a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant by the Indiana Department of Education to establish afterschool programming at Decatur (Township) Middle School. The first year award of $200,000 will help provide students with academic enrichment to meet state and local performance standards in core subjects such as reading and mathematics as well as youth development activities designed to complement academic programming. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program provides funding to public school districts, community-based organizations, public/private organizations, faith-based groups or a consortium of such organizations to provide out-of-school-time services to students in high-poverty, low-performing neighborhoods.

 

 

Romona Smith, new Extended-Day Program Coordinator, will work with school administrators, teachers, service providers and volunteers to implement the program and to align activities with district academic achievement goals.

The funding represents a significant opportunity to have an impact on middle school youth at a critical juncture in their lives and for Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center to partner with Decatur Township Schools to improve student achievement and parental engagement.

 

 

"The 21st Century Community Learning Center grant will not only provide Decatur Middle School students with tremendous enrichment opportunities but will also open possibilities for teachers through the exciting partnership with the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, a winning combination for all concerned," said Gary Pellico, Director of Communications and Community Outreach for Decatur Township Schools.

 

 

The grant also will expand Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center’s engagement with local public schools throughout Indianapolis. Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center now has full-time staff working in five public schools in southwest Indianapolis to help connect students, parents, educators and residents with community resources to improve learning and build stronger families and healthier communities.



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