Warren schools get grant

Staff report

WARREN

The Ohio Department of Education has awarded the Warren City Schools a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant to assist children in the Willard and Jefferson K-8 schools. It is worth up to $850,000 over five years.

This year the district will use $200,000 to support two after-school academic/recreational programs for sixth- through eighth- graders at the two schools.

The grant is renewable for years two and three at $200,000, year four at $150,000 and year five at $100,000. The school district will join with Warren Weed and Seed and other community-based organizations to bring recreational opportunities to youth at the schools.

The grants provide academic enrichment opportunities during nonschool hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low- performing schools, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects such as reading and math; offers students an array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services.