Christiansburg Middle School, Eastern Montgomery High School and Shawsville Middle School are among the 51 Virginia schools receiving grants from the Virginia Department of Education to fund 21st-century community learning centers.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia will serve as the recipient of the three Montgomery County grants. The local schools will serve as hosts of the community centers for the 2020-21 school year.
The grants range from $50,000 to $200,000 and will allow school divisions, faith-based organizations and community groups to provide students with tutoring and enrichment activities that complement regular academic programs.
Community learning centers operate before and after school, during school breaks, on Saturdays and during summer vacation. The centers also provide educational services for families of participating children.
Applicants for the grants were encouraged to consult with parents, community groups, businesses, arts and cultural organizations and other youth development agencies to develop their applications and programs.
The state department of education is also continuing the funding of 65 programs that received initial grants in 2018 and 2019.