Post by Wendy Wilson, STEM Education and Communication Coordinator
The Idaho Out-of-School Network has agreed to partner with the United Way of Treasure Valley to implement a multi-million dollar, 5-year funding opportunity for “full-service” community schools to be located across the state. Community schools are public schools augmented with additional services including afterschool programs, family engagement programs and nutritional programs for youth and families.
Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona visited Idaho on November 28, 2023 to make the announcement. Secretary Cardona encouraged all stakeholders to raise the bar and transform preschool through grade 12 education by expanded use of educational strategies that support equity and excellence. The four pillars of this “full service” approach include the following: schools that integrate support for youth ( e.g., health and nutrition, social and emotional learning); (2) expanded learning time ( e.g., after-school enrichment and summer school); (3) active family and community engagement; and (4) collaborative leadership to support high-quality teaching.
The program was announced in Federal Register (6/7/23) and Idaho was selected through a competitive grant process. The federal program supports the planning, implementation, and operation of full-service community schools that improve the coordination, integration, accessibility, and effectiveness of services for children and families.
The United Way of Treasure Valley is the leading partner for community school development across the state and will use these funds to help launch new programs and expand existing ones. ION will continue to partner with the United Way to grow this program and strengthen afterschool and summer youth programs.
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