Metcalfe County Schools are celebrating a significant achievement after securing two competitive grants amounting to $790,000.
Serving around 200 students in the district, these grants are poised to fortify after-school programs at Metcalfe County, enhancing educational opportunities for students.
Metcalfe County Schools’ Superintendent, Josh Hurt, spoke on the collaborative efforts of his staff to make this funding possible, giving special mention to the district’s grant writer, Torri Osbon.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has allocated a $490,000 continuation grant to support the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program at MCES for up to five years.
This grant reinforces the district’s commitment to offering the 21st Century program across all its campuses. MCES has been at the helm of the 21st Century initiative since 2019, followed by the high school in 2018 and the middle school in 2010.
The 21st Century program is tailored to provide academic, artistic, and cultural enrichment opportunities, aligning with state academic standards while catering to the holistic development of students. Central to its success is community support and active family involvement. Hurt elaborated on how successful the 21st Century program has been to students.
In addition to the continuation grant, MCES has also been granted a $300,000 Preschool Quality Partnership grant by KDE. This grant aims to foster collaboration between MCES Preschool and Metcalfe County Head Start, thereby expanding access to high-quality early childhood services throughout the community.
Furthermore, the grant will bolster the MCES Hornet Hive, an after-school program tailored for 3- and 4-year-old preschool students. Hurt highlighted the importance of this grant to the growth and development of the preschool’s young minds.
In a release about the grants’ acquisition, Hurt emphasized the significance of these funds, stating, “By obtaining these much-needed funds, we will be able to continue a wildly popular and useful program. The Hornet Hive allows us to provide a high-quality after-school learning experience in a warm, safe environment, which is a win for all of us.”
These grants not only signify recognition of Metcalfe County Schools’ commitment to educational excellence but also underscore the vital role of collaborative partnerships in fostering student success.
With these financial resources, the district is well-positioned to enrich the academic journey of its students and nurture their overall development for years to come.
