The State Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction have awarded Durham Public Schools a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant for more than $900,000 to provide support for students at three schools.

The four-year grant of approximately $930,000 will provide afterschool programming for Eastway Elementary and Githens Middle school students and intersession programs for Chewning Year-Round Middle. This project will provide tutoring and enrichment activities to students after school and during the year-round intersessions, serving more than 200 students in grades 3-8 who have scored below grade level on the end-of-grade tests. Program activities have been designed to improve student academic achievement, reduce discipline referrals and suspensions, and improve students' self-esteem and attitudes towards school.

Another component of the program is parental involvement. Broad parent participation will be encouraged through planned family activities, assistance with navigating through school and community resources, and planned health promotion and wellness activities that increase student attendance and support healthy behaviors.

The Ivy Community Center, operated by the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. sorority, will partner with Durham Public Schools to provide volunteer support for the program. The Ivy Center has a strong community service history, and DPS has worked with the Center on past projects.

DPS partners with the Durham Housing Authority (DHA) to implement their 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. This grant provides summer and after school enrichment and academic tutoring for students living in five designated housing developments serving more than 200 students. DPS support includes assistance with identifying teachers to tutor students, identifying computer-based literacy programs and printed materials, and providing nutritious snacks.

"We are so appreciative of this wonderful opportunity for students at three of our schools," said Superintendent Carl Harris. "The 21st Century Learning Community grants enable us to provide academic and enrichment assistance to students who need that extra boost to succeed. We appreciate the support of our local partners who are working with us to help students."
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