Grant To Fund After School, Summer Camp Programs At Joseph Keels Elementary School
September 1, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – Joseph Keels Elementary School for Entrepreneurial Leadership is the recipient of a grant that will provide up to $200,000 annually for up to four years. Richland School District Two is one of 19 school districts across the state to receive the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants.
Joseph Keels will use the money to operate a comprehensive afterschool program and to meet the needs of target students and their families. The school will partner with Mad Science to deliver hands-on science activities. Three days a week, certified teachers will provide intensive academic instruction aligned with common core standards. Students will also participate in many fun, enrichment activities. An engaging four-week summer camp is also planned.
Families of students in the program will be invited to participate in financial literacy workshops hosted by the South Carolina Federal Credit Union. The Rogers Center will provide assistance to families interested in getting a GED, enrolling in language classes or technology classes or a host of other offerings at the adult education center.
“We’re excited about the opportunities this grant will afford us. We are always seeking to enrich our students with opportunities after the school day has ended,” said Principal Alvera Butler. “Research underscores that how youth spend their time outside of school hours has enormous implications on their development. As principal of Joseph Keels, I see this program as one more opportunity to embrace our 2014-2015 school-wide theme, Step Up to the Challenge.”
Joseph Keels serves 693 students in grades pre-K-5. The community learning center will serve 75 students in grades 2-5.
These federally funded grants, authorized under No Child Left Behind, are awarded through a competitive process. A total of 40 schools were awarded $5.3 million. An additional $3 million in grants will also be available in January 2015.
