Two schools in Easton and two in Allentown will receive $500,000 a year for the next three years as part of an effort to improve academics of at-risk youth.
Both of the Easton Area middle schools are among four middle schools in the Lehigh Valley that will offer after-school programs for the next three years to improve academics and help students graduate high school.
Communities In Schools of the Lehigh Valley was awarded $1.5 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to provide 21st Century Community Learning Centers in schools in Easton and Allentown. Communities In Schools of the Lehigh Valley is a nonprofit drop-out prevention organization.
The program will focus on behavioral problems, truancy issues and low academic performance, said Timothy Mulligan, executive director of Communities In Schools of the Lehigh Valley.
“Those are really the three main indicators of dropping out,” he said. “About 75 percent of the students we serve will be in Easton.”
The three-year grant will target at-risk students at the Easton Area Middle School 5/6 and 7/8, and at Trexler and Raub middle schools in Allentown. The learning centers will be in the school buildings and provide after-school programs, including tutoring, core instruction, enrichment and physical activities.
Alyssa Emili, director of pupil and curriculum services in the Easton Area School District, said the grant proposal has a goal to serve 150 students at each of the district’s middle schools Mondays through Thursdays for three hours per day.
“Anytime you’re able to offer such an extensive after-school program, you’re really able to benefit the students,” Emili said.
The program will have academic and enrichment components, with the academic portion focusing on math and literacy supports, homework help and project learning, she said. The enrichment component will encompass physical and character education, art and culture, mentoring, service learning, guest speakers, career awareness, and a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum.
The program will also offer a healthy snack, dinner and transportation home.
Mulligan said the organization will partner with the Da Vinci Science Center to provide seminars and workshops for the students. Students from DeSales University, Lafayette College and Muhlenberg College will provide one-on-one mentoring and academic tutoring.