Preston County’s school district is among the Mountain State recipients sharing in a federal grant for after-school programming.
The award is from the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers organization, named in honor of the New York state lawmaker known in part for her advocacy after-school programs in New York City and across the nation.
Grants are available for up to five years — provided the recipients continue to meet state and federal benchmarks — and are supplemented by the U.S. Department of Education.
Preston, meanwhile, will share the $7.3 million allotment with other districts in Greenbrier, Morgan and Tucker counties.
World Vision Inc. and Save the Children Foundation Inc. round out the other Mountain State recipients, along with The Partnership of African-American Churches and Playmates Preschool and Childcare Centers Inc.
Champions of such after-school programs have long touted the educational benefits of such programming.
Especially in a post-pandemic world, they say.
Because there’s less pressure than during the school day, they’ll add, students participating in such sessions and gatherings in the hours after the dismissal bell rings can also become more adept at socialization — while gaining the personal confidence that can also help in the classroom.
State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt agreed, and said the 2025 grant recipients are doing good work in the arena.
“The success of our students is built on the combined and cooperative efforts of our schools, our families and our expanded communities,” the superintendent said.
“These grantees represent the commitment of organizations and systems across our state to fully serve our children,” she continued.
“Each offers the level of supplemental programming that will positively impact students today and in the future.”
In 2019, Lowey decided not to seek re-election, after more than 30 years in Congress.
TWEET @DominionPostWV
