Bellefontaine Middle School was recently awarded a grant for the second consecutive year from the Ohio Department of Education — the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant — that focuses on learning opportunities outside the regular school day.
This year’s grant is worth $200,000. The Ohio Department of Education reviewed 145 new applications through a comprehensive peer review process. Priority was given to programs that serve students in rural districts.
Bellefontaine Middle School guidance counselors Julie Kurtz and Natalie Collins co-coordinated the grant.
The grant will fund BMS+, which will offer before and after school programming. Monday through Friday morning, the programming includes homework help from 6:45 to 7:35 a.m. After school sessions take place Monday through Thursday afternoon from 2:35 to 4:35 p.m.
The after school portion will offer a snack, homework help, enrichment, and specialized assistance in math and reading.
BMS+ offers enrichment in math, reading, youth development, and family engagement.
The free program is expected to: increase reading and math achievement, promote positive youth development in alignment with the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) standards, encourage parents, family, and community involvement, provide a safe and structured before and after school program and offer academic enrichment and tutoring by trained teachers and staff.
Transportation is provided and students can earn incentives for attendance.
Students can be enrolled through the middle school website at http://ms.bellefontaine.k12.oh.us/.
Collins touted the impact of last year’s grant.
“We had many students improve their test scores, including math. We also gave students a lot of fun experiences outside of school,” she said.
Last year, the grant only offered after school opportunities. Funding for the grant is allocated over a five-year cycle, and BCS could receive up to $850,000 over those five years.