Maine receives $50,000 grant to expand learning opportunities

AUGUSTA — Maine was recently selected as one of five states to participate in a joint initiative to improve after-school and summer learning opportunities for students, according to Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Cumberland County.

Through Supporting Student Success: The Promise of Expanded Learning Opportunities, a joint program created by the Council of Chief State School Officers, the National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Maine will receive a $50,000 grant and in-depth technical assistance from the three organizations involved to make the state's expanded learning programs a more fundamental part of Maine's education system.

"This grant will provide innovative tactics to improve Maine's educational landscape. After-school and summer learning programs are great opportunities to work with Maine students. It just makes sense that we continue the positive development and offer the extra academic help to students during the summertime," Alfond said. "Maine's participation in this joint initiative is a step in the right direction."

Maine was among 38 states invited to apply for this competitive initiative. An independent selection committee thoroughly reviewed each application and made award recommendations based on each state's plan to address educational needs through expanded learning opportunities. The Supporting Student Success initiative was made possible through funding from the C.S. Mott Foundation.