Stephens Co. School System Gets Grant To Continue After School Program

By Charlie Bauder

The Stephens County School System will continue an after-school program after receiving a grant for another year.

Stephens County School Superintendent Sherrie Whiten announced Thursday that the school system had received a fourth year of the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant.

The federal grant has provided $350,000 per year for the last three years to the school system for the after-school program.

Whiten said the school system is excited to continue it for one more year.

“With these funds, we have been able to have after-school programs at all of our schools four days a week and not only do they look at academics, but they have an enrichment part in it,” said Whiten.  “We work with the Boys and Girls Club, Camp Toccoa, and a lot of community partners.”

She went on to say that the program has proven very beneficial for the school system.

“It provides homework help, help in getting them caught up with the skills they need, but it also provides them some fun, extra activities to do in the afternoon.”

Whiten did say that this year, the school system will only receive $315,000 through the grant program, instead of $350,000.

Whiten said the school system has also been told that the grant program will end after this year.