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with space and act as the programs’ fiscal agent.

These afterschool programs are a result of the districts’ partnerships with Toombs County Family Connection, who is focused on helping to improve school success for all students, from kindergarten through 12th grade.

“These awards are very special to us – especially this year – because 21st Century funding was cut from the federal budget in the summer,” Toombs County Family Connection Director Paige Ward explained. “It’s truly a miracle that it was restored and we intend to make good use of this opportunity.”

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Initiative serves almost 1.4 million youth across the U.S. and is the only federal grant dedicated specifically to supporting quality, out-of-school programming. Each grant will fund an afterschool program for students in kindergarten through 8th grade, and will prioritize serving children with a working parent. The programs will focus heavily on improving students’ academic achievement, and enriching them with opportunities, such as art, dance, music, gardening, and mindfulness classes. The grants will also help to provide engagement opportunities that strengthen connections between home, school, and community, which will further benefit families.

Both Toombs County Schools Superintendent Barry Waller and Vidalia City Schools Superintendent Sandy Reid spoke on their excitement for these grants.

“The opportunity to bring back our 21st Century Partners to provide a meaningful, measured, and proven afterschool program that not only benefits our students but also our community by opening doors to extended learning opportunities is a win for all of our stakeholders,” Waller emphasized.

Reid added, “This grant represents more than funding – it represents opportunity. Through this partnership, we are able to give our children a safe place to learn, grow, and explore their talents beyond the school day.”