Governor Bredesen Announces $3.9M for Academic Enrichment Programs
Nashville, TN – Governor Bredesen and the Tennessee Department of Education today announced funding for 51 21st Century Community Learning Centers across the state to help raise achievement of students in high poverty schools. These grants support research-based programs that help students master the skills necessary to meet state and local achievement standards. Fourteen grant recipients will receive funding each year for the next three years.
“In Tennessee, we have made a strong commitment to improving the quality of education. From raising standards to providing greater funding to school districts, these efforts will pay off for all of our children and especially those students most in need of targeted interventions,” Governor Bredesen said. “These grants will continue to help us in our mission to ensure all students have the best possible chance for success in school.”
“Students must experience success in school to stay engaged and discover the benefits of learning,” Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. “These programs provide students the support they need to for academic achievement and the confidence to tackle future challenges in school.”
Priority is given to programs serving students who attend a school identified for improvement by the Tennessee Department of Education. The grantees are:
| Grantees | Amount | Population Served | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley | $300,000 | Knox County | Knox County |
| Lauderdale County Dept. of Education | $175,000 | Lauderdale County | Lauderdale County |
| Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority | $350,000 | Grainger County | Morristown |
| University of Tennessee Extension | $175,000 | Campbell and Dickson counties | Knoxville |
| Jackson County Schools | $400,000 | Jackson County | Jackson County |
| Claiborne County Schools | $300,000 | Soldiers Memorial Middle School, Springdale Elementary and New Tazewell Primary | Claiborne County |
| Catholic Charities of Tennessee | $200,000 | Nashville | Nashville |
| New Vision, Inc. | $150,000 | Nashville | Nashville |
| Murfreesboro City Schools | $200,000 | Murfreesboro | Murfreesboro |
| Clarksville Montgomery County School System | $500,000 | Clarksville | Clarksville |
| Memphis City Schools | $700,000 | Memphis | Memphis |
| Hardin County School System | $300,000 | Hardin County | Hardin County |
| White County School System | $150,000 | White County | White County |
| Overton County Board of Education | $65,000 | Livingston Middle School | Overton County |
“The programs being funded have been proven to help advance students’ achievement,” said Laura Nichols, Director of Extended Learning Programs and Character Education. “They help students address any obstacles - academic or otherwise - that might hinder their accomplishments, as well as opportunities to excel beyond the classroom.”
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is an initiative created under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Examples of eligible activities for these centers include research-based remedial education, English proficiency classes, parent involvement and family literacy programs, drug and violence prevention and counseling programs. For a complete list, visit http://www.tennessee.gov/education/learningsupport/titleiv/partb/index.shtml.
For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.