Sussex Tech, Woodbridge partner to provide after-school program for Hispanic children

Sussex Tech Adult Division has been awarded a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant by the Delaware Department of Education. DOE awards these grants to support the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children.

The $158,410 grant will enable Sussex Tech Adult Education to establish an after-school program for Hispanic middle school students at the Phillis Wheatley Middle School through a partnership with the Woodbridge School District. From Oct. 1, 2013 to April 17, 2014, two afternoons per week from 3 to 5 p.m., 80 Hispanic middle school students will have the opportunity to be part of the after-school program. It will provide the students with the opportunity to increase their academic skills in math, reading, and technology.

Research shows that Hispanic students have a wide variety of academic and social needs. The purpose of this program is to specifically target this population in an effort to boost educational levels, reduce the achievement gap and decrease the number of dropouts. The goal of the partnership is to provide experiences that lead to educational success among Hispanic middle school students.

Funding for this 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is provided by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Delaware Department of Education.