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Support a Local Learner

Last year, the Community Education Department provided over $51,000 in financial assistance to allow low-income community members to participate in an array of quality enrichment programs such as college prep, career exploration, technology, swim instruction, health and wellness, theatre, language and STE(A)M courses as well as after school classes and summer sports camps. These programs provide participants with the opportunity to pursue their interests, expand their abilities and improve social skills in a fun and safe environment.

Participants are not the only ones who receive positive outcomes from their involvement in Community Education programs. The participant’s family, school and larger community all prosper when people are engaged in consistent, quality learning experiences.

For more information contact Khia Bruse, Director of Community Education, email khia.bruse@district196.org or call 651-423-7720.

Business/Corporate
Sponsorship Program
  Individual Support a
Local Learner Program

 

children swimming holding onto wall with instructor helping

One high school student wanted to work as a lifeguard to help support his family. Being from a household living in poverty, they could not afford the training. Through a combination of Community Education scholarship and contribution made through the high school athletic department, he was able to become a Red Cross certified lifeguard. We, in turn, hired this young person to work as a lifeguard so he could contribute to support his family.

Pat Bennett, retired Aquatic program coordinator

Did You Know?

  • Swim instruction reduces the risk of drowning by 88%.
  • Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death for children ages 5-8.
  • If one hasn’t learned to swim by 3rd grade, they likely never will.
  • Students in high-quality afterschool programs have better attendance, behavior, grades and test scores, work habits, and increase their likelihood of moving on to the next grade level and graduating.
  • For every dollar invested in afterschool programs, $2.50 is saved in crime-related costs.
  • Having afterschool choices helps parents keep their jobs, helps students succeed, and helps ensure businesses can hire the local workforce they need to thrive.
  • Afterschool programs not only have a positive effect on students at risk of failure, but help reduce the math achievement gap between students from lower and high-income families.

Sources: Afterschool Alliance (2016) Afterschool Supports Students’ Success

I have two daughters that benefited greatly from the after school scholarship program by participating in The Double Dutch Club. They enjoyed the team concepts, learned patience and how to work as a team. They enjoyed performing at other schools, the MOA, Target Field and being recognized by others. It also kept the girls busy and something to look forward to at the end of the school day. I believe every child should have a chance, whether or not they can afford the fees associated with an after school activity, regardless of what that activity may be. The scholarship program should definitely be offered for all programs for the children in ISD 196. It gives them so many opportunities to find themselves, their likes and dislikes! As a single mother this program was a huge help for my family! My children would not have been able to be a part of many activities offered without it. I'd like to thank District 196 Community Education for giving my girls this wonderful opportunity to participate and hope others will also benefit from it in the future.

Parent of two rosemount elementary students