2 Henrico schools to benefit from state grant

The Henrico Education Foundation earned two of the 51 grants awarded yesterday by the Virginia Department of Education to fund 21st Century Community Learning Centers in communities across the commonwealth.

The grants range from $50,000 to $200,000 apiece and will allow school divisions, faith-based organizations and community groups to provide students with tutoring and enrichment activities that complement regular academic programs.

The grants to HEF will support programs at Glen Lea and Laburnum Elementary Schools in Henrico.

Community learning centers operate before and after school, during school breaks, Saturdays, and during summer vacation. The centers also provide educational services for families of participating children.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015.

“The support 21st Century Community Learning Centers provide to students and families is more important than ever given the disruptions to learning that have occurred due to the coronavirus pandemic,” Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said. “I congratulate and thank all of school divisions and partnering organizations receiving these grants for stepping up and providing these opportunities. Community learning centers play a key role in our efforts to promote equity and improve outcomes for vulnerable students.”

The department also is continuing funding of 65 programs that received initial grants in 2018 and 2019.