MIDDLE POINT — National advocacy organization Afterschool Alliance is encouraging legislators to reconsider President Donald Trump’s call to end federal funding for the 21st Century Learning Centers grant program.
The highly competitive program provides $1.7 billion nationally to schools who partner with other organizations to provide quality after-school and summer learning programs.
The programs have been described as highly successful for schools in reducing the number of latchkey children and helping others get much-needed intervention.
“All of the programs are flexible and locally designed,” said Afterschool Alliance Vice President of Research and Policy Jen Rinehart. “It helps meet the needs of the families.
Local school districts that receive funding from the program include Columbus Grove, Leipsic, Ottawa-Glandorf, Kenton, Continental and Lincolnview. The districts stand to lose as much as $2 million in the next three years combined. More than 40,000 students were served by $43 million from the grants the past school year.
Putnam County Educational Service Center Curriculum Coordinator Melissa Basinger, who coordinates the programs in Continental, Columbus Grove and Leipsic, said the move would have a definite negative impact in the area.
“Each program has its own unique personality according to the school district,” Basinger said. “Teachers notice the difference in the classroom with the students who participate. Data shows that students who participate have shown improved reading and math skills.”
Basinger said without the funding, school districts likely will not be able to continue the programs.
“Without that support, I think the teachers will not see those gains,” Basinger said.
Lincolnview Superintendent Jeff Snyder said the positives of the program are striking.
“The parents of these kids notice the difference,” Snyder said. “We have seen gains that are not quantifiable. It would be a huge step back, a huge blow, if the funding is removed.”
Basinger said the group is advocating to keep the funds and said residents should also express to their legislators the need for the funding.
“We are concerned what some of these families will do,” Basinger said. “We fear that we will see a lot more latchkey children.”
