The Columbus Municipal School District is set to receive $905,000 in grant assistance, over the next five years, to implement a 21st Century Community Learning Centers — Project Linking Achievement, Community and Excellence — program at Lee Middle School.
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program — Project LACE — is a nationally-recognized after-school initiative which reinforces the belief education is a shared responsibility; the project includes after-school tutoring, homework assistance, mentoring services from community members, and enrichment services.
Participants also will receive projects-based learning, service learning and preparedness for high school and post-secondary education, said CMSD officials, noting Project LACE brings schools and communities together around safe and educational after-school activities.
“I am extremely pleased to have the Columbus Apprenticeship Program as our community partner for the program,” said CMSD Project Director Dr. Martha Liddell. CAP”s director, Pastor Darren Leach, is an inspirational leader who will bring an important community resource and talents to bear on the lives of middle school students, to help them cultivate their post-secondary aspirations and prepare for the future world of work.
“Lee Middle School is fortunate to have Principal Cindy Wamble at the helm, because her vision and leadership has helped to make the project a reality for students,” Liddell added.
“The project brings the talents of caring community partners together with Columbus Municipal School District to offer a broad array of educational and enrichment opportunities for middle school students,” said CMSD Superintendent Dr. Del Phillips.
Program activities will begin in November; parents interested in enrolling their middle school students in the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program at Lee Middle School should contact their children”s schools for more information.
Joe Cook Fine Arts Magnet School, Fairview Aerospace and Science Magnet School, and Franklin Medical Sciences and Wellness Magnet School also have 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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