Today, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga gathered with North Georgia education officials to celebrate a $3.5 million grant. Awarded by the Georgia Department of Education, the grant will go toward the Y’s after school programs at local elementary schools and will help offset costs.
“Today’s milestone is a testament to the dedication of our North Georgia Y team and their collaboration with our education partners,” said Baron Herdelin-Doherty. “This grant, along with the continued support of local donors, will help us reach our community-wide goal of serving 50% more children and families by 2028.”
The Georgia Department of Education awarded the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CLCC) to the North Georgia Community Y in partnership with the local school systems.
“This partnership with the North Georgia Community YMCA will help us bridge the achievement gap, creating meaningful opportunities for parents and families to engage in their children’s education. Our shared goal is to support the whole child by fostering a love for learning, promoting healthy living, and developing strong character,” said Superintendent Chance Nix, Catoosa County Schools.
The Y After School program includes meals and snacks, homework help and academic enrichment as well as youth development activities on health, wellness and character building. The grant helps fund a portion of the costs associated with providing educational and family engagement activities during the academic school year and summer.
“The 21st Century Community Learning Grant will provide our students with additional quality learning opportunities in an after-school setting. Our partnership with the North Georgia Community YMCA is an example of how we can work together with community organizations to ensure a high-quality educational experience for all of our students,” said Superintendent Damon Raines, Walker County Schools.
With community at the center of the grant, the program encourages family engagement and parents’ active participation in their child’s education.
“The grant will go a long way toward helping families in North Georgia and achieving academic goals,” said John Donahoo, district vice president of the North Georgia Community Y. “Because of the grant, we’re able to waive the enrollment fee for participants, which will allow us to focus our efforts on fundraising for the other key parts of our after school program.”
The grant is available for up to 5 years ($700,000 per year) and is dependent on successful implementation as well as the continued availability of federal funds. In partnership with the local school systems, the YMCA secured the grant funding for both Catoosa and Walker counties.
