Young Idaho students will have the chance to attend after-school programs -- and boost reading readiness -- through a series of new grants.
State Schools Superintendent Sherri Ybarra announced late last week that the Idaho Department of Education has awarded $1.5 million in grants to ten Idaho schools and communities, to help fund after-school and summer learning programs.
The grants range from $109,000 to $170,000 per year, with the money to cover salaries, transportation, equipment and field trips during non-school hours. The grants are administered through the federally-funded 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
Separately, the Idaho Board of Education announced last week that a five-year grant agreement with the on-line literacy program Achieve3000 will give four-year-olds across the state access to an online program called, "Smarty Ants." The program is designed to help kids get ready for kindergarten by helping them get ready to learn to read.
(by The Associated Press)
