Lincoln County School District received the news that the Oregon Department of Education has awarded a competitive grant valued at $480,000 per year for the next 3 years to support the 21st Century Community Learning Centers at 96% of the operating cost. Years 4 and 5 will be grant supported at 75% of operating cost. The LCSD free after school programs prioritize enrollment to students who need extra support to succeed academically, as well as socially. The focus is on literacy, and working to ensure each student has an individual plan for success. The centers also provide science, technology, engineering, art and math curriculum in a safe, fun, and structured environment.

“We are thrilled to receive this news,” said Karen Shores, 21st Century Community Learning Center Program Director. “These centers provide a vital function in supporting and enriching the lives of youth with not only free places to go afterschool and in summer, but also by providing additional academic support that may make a huge difference in their ability to be successful students.”

The 21st Century grant funds 19 school-based staff positions, including four high school Cadets. With this new grant, LCSD will be working with the Youth Development Coalition of Lincoln County to bring a reading coordinator to work with each site, as well as a family navigator to help families to access critical resources in the community.

Currently, there are seven sites (five school-based and two community partner sites) running throughout the county with 481 youth participating from July 2017-June 2018. LCSD was one of 24 Oregon school districts awarded this competitive grant for the 2018-2023 period.