Federal grants awarded to afterschool programs across West Virginia

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Eight organizations from across West Virginia have received federal grants to help fund afterschool programs.

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center grants are competitive grants awarded to organizations that provide students with afterschool tutoring, homework assistance, and enrichment activities.

Organizations that receive the grants are eligible to continue doing so for up to five years as long as their afterschool programs meet state and federal requirements, such as enrollment. For example, Tucker County Schools—which will receive approximately $250,000 this year—could receive a total of $1.25 million over the next five years to fund its afterschool program WHL-U.

“The grant will provide opportunities for students countywide in areas that we have not been able to provide them with in numerous years. It will also allow students to get assistance with homework and be after school in a safe environment,” Tucker County’s Federal Programs and Curriculum Director Allyson McNaboe said.

McNaboe said Tucker County has not received this grant in 15 years and that the amount that the grant provides is significant for the county, which at times does not have the money it needs to replace basic items like school bleachers .

The full list of organizations who received the grant in West Virginia can be read here:

• Greenbrier County Schools
• Morgan County Schools
• Partnership of African American Churches
• Playmates Preschool and Childcare Centers, Inc.
• Preston County Schools
• Save the Children Federation, Inc.
• Tucker County Schools
• World Vision, Inc.

12 News also spoke with a representative from World Vision, Inc., which runs the KidREACH program for Philippi Elementary and Junior Elementary. They said they’ve seen positive outcomes from their program and that during the 2022-2023 school year, 80 percent of students who participated in the program saw their state test i-Ready scores improve by one year.

Also in the area, Preston County Schools received $250,000 for its After School Explorers program, which is run with the help of the EdVenture Group.

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