Prince Edward’s high and middle schools are the recipients of new grants to fund 21st Century Community Learning Centers in communities across the state.

The grant is one of only 35 awarded in Virginia, according to the a state Department of Education (VDOE) release.

“We’re excited to have been selected as a grant recipient,” said Division Superintendent Dr. David Smith. “This grant presents some opportunities for helping our students and their families in grades seven through 12,” he said.

Over 100 students will be eligible for the programs stemming from the grant, Smith said.

The grant award for the two schools is $174,000 and is renewable for three years, he said.

Smith said students and their families can benefit from the program “and, along with our community partners, [will be] providing tutoring and enrichment activities four days a week after school. In addition, there are educational opportunities for parents. There’s support for families that’s included in this as well,” said Smith.

The program includes a recreational aspect offered through the state park system and the local YMCA, he said.

The programming targets students at risk of dropping out of school and takes into account academic, behavioral and attendance issues.

“The competitive grants range from $118,000 to $200,000 and will allow school divisions and community groups to provide students with tutoring, enrichment activities that complement regular academic programs and literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children,” the release noted.

The centers will operate before and after school, during school breaks, Saturdays and during summer vacation, according to VDOE. 

“It’ll be an exciting program, and it has the potential to really help these students who will be identified move forward towards success in school,” said Smith.

The centers support the creation of opportunities for academic enrichment during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and mathematics; offers students enrichment activities that complement regular academic programs and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children, stated the release.