Tennessee Awards Community Learning Center Grants To Shelby County Schools, YMCA

MyEyeWitnessNews.com
September 4, 2008

Nashville, TN - Governor Phil Bredesen and Education Commissioner Timothy Webb today announced $4.75 million in federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grants. These programs seek to raise achievement of low-income students and students at under performing schools through enrichment programs operated outside the school day.

Shelby County Schools received $216,250 for three sites and YMCA of Greater Memphis received $150,000 for three sites.

“We have made a serious commitment to education in this state, from raising standards to modernizing the way we fund schools,” Governor Bredesen said. “These grants support our mission to see all students graduate ready to succeed in college and the workforce.”

Shelby County is represented by Senator James Kyle, Jr., Senator Ophelia Ford, Senator Beverly Marrero, Senator Paul Stanley, Senator Mark Norris, Senator Reginald Tate, Representative Brian Kelsey, Representative Joe Towns, Jr., Representative Larry Turner, Representative Barbara Cooper, Representative Karen Camper, Representative Larry Miller, Representative Jeanne Richardson, Representative John DeBerry Jr., Representative Lois DeBerry, Representative G.A. Hardaway, Representative Mike Kernell, Representative Curry Todd, Representative Steve McManus, Representative Jim Coley, Representative Ulysses Jones, Jr. and Representative Ron Lollar.

“These programs provide valuable learning experiences to students who otherwise might not have access to such resources,” Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said. “Partnerships like these strengthen our state’s ability to meet the needs of all students and provide a quality education.”

Twenty-two school systems and community organizations received grants to open a total of 74 sites across the state. Grantees can reinforce student achievement in a variety of ways such as character education, arts education, remedial help, academic enrichment, expanded library hours and technology instruction. Program effectiveness must be based on strong scientific research.

Each grantee will receive funding for the next three years with the opportunity for a two year extension if the program demonstrates adequate student progress.