Feds award YSU $800K for afterschool programs

For the 13^th consecutive year, the Center for Human Services Development at Youngstown State University has received federal funding to operate after-school programs in local school districts.

This year, the Center received four 21^st Century Community Learning Center Grants totaling $800,000 to provide programs in Campbell, Girard and Liberty schools.

Students spanning from third grade to 12^th get help with homework and participate in career and college activities at the programs in Campbell Memorial High School, Girard Junior-Senior High School, Girard Intermediate School and EJ Blott Elementary School in Liberty.

The after-school programs, which run September through May, 12 to 15 hours per week, provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.

The Center for Human Services Development, an externally-funded, community outreach housed in the Beeghly College of Education at YSU, is the fiscal agent for the grants and the schools are collaborating partners. Center staff are on site each day to provide and coordinate services for students.

The YSU Center for Human Services Development has been running 21^st Century programs since 2006. Other participating schools have included Brookfield, East Liverpool, Niles and Weathersfield. Center director is Angie Cameron.