Three Marshall County schools have been awarded 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grants, providing $150,000 annually for three years to support after-school and summer learning opportunities. The grants will benefit Calvert City Elementary, Sharpe Elementary, and South Marshall Elementary Schools, bringing a total investment of $1.35 million to the district.
The grants will provide academic support, enrichment activities, career exploration, and social-emotional learning opportunities.
The federally funded 21st CCLC program will be coordinated by a team of dedicated educators who will oversee the after-school and summer learning opportunities for participating students:
Vanessa Futrell, Calvert City Elementary
Jessie Vasseur, Sharpe Elementary
Jenni Sizemore, South Marshall Elementary
Sharpe Elementary Principal Aretta Terry said she is incredibly excited to bring the 21st Century Learning Center to Sharpe Elementary. "Fifteen years ago, I had the privilege of leading a successful 21st Century program at a local middle school, and I saw firsthand the incredible impact it had on students and families. This program will provide our students with meaningful academic support, engaging enrichment opportunities and experiences that help them discover new interests, build confidence and develop skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.”
South Marshall Elementary Principal Brad Darnall says the grant will provide a much needed after-school option on the south side of Marshall County. “Students Matter Every Second isn’t just a slogan hanging on our wall. It’s how we make decisions. This grant gives us more seconds to invest in kids. Learning doesn’t end when the dismissal bell rings, and neither does our commitment to our students. This isn’t about keeping kids busy after school. It’s about giving them opportunities they might not otherwise have while giving parents peace of mind. That’s a win for students, families and our entire community.”
Calvert City Elementary’s 21st Century Coordinator Vanessa Futrell says she is looking forward to providing students with engaging enrichment activities while also offering academic support through homework assistance and tutoring. “My goal is to create a program that is both fun and meaningful, helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. My passion has always been building strong relationships with students, families, and the community. I look forward to creating an after-school program where every child feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged to succeed.”
The district extends its appreciation to its community partners for their support of these grants, including Apex Engineering, the Calvert City-Sharpe Elementary and Jonathan-South Marshall Elementary Family Resource Centers, CFSB, First Missionary Baptist Church, Kentucky Global Arts Initiative, Marshall County Extension Office, Marshall County Health Department, Marshall County Public Library, Pathway Baptist Church, Sharpe Missionary Baptist Church, Transform Academy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers–Lake Barkley, and United Way of Western Kentucky.
The 21st CCLC program will launch a few weeks after the start of the school year. Registration information will be available in August.