After-School Programs Receive Needed Funds

( NASHVILLE , Tenn. ) – Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that 20 after-school programs will share a total of $2 million in unclaimed lottery prize money. Tennessee 's Lottery Education After-School Program (LEAP) was designed to distribute grants to high quality local programs that serve at-risk students.

Not every child comes to school with the same resources or support,” says Governor Bredesen. “A quality after-school program may be the only pathway to success for some students. I'm proud we are able to invest these lottery funds in services for those children who need them the most.”

Competitive grants were awarded for a period of one year with subsequent awards contingent upon availability of funds and adequate grantee performance. Applicants demonstrated their qualifications in each of the service priorities for lottery funds, established by legislators, which include:

• Services to students on an average of 15 hours per week;
• Reading skills development and enhancement;
• Math or science skills development and enhancement;
• Computer literacy and skills development;
• Academic mentoring or tutorial assistance; and
• Sports or leisure opportunities.

“I am so pleased we are able to provide these funds to such noteworthy programs that further support the state's educational goals,” added Department of Education Commissioner Lana Seivers. “After-school programs address students' needs in core academic subjects like reading, math and science. This added assistance can make a difference for children who, in turn, can make a difference in communities.”

Additional grant applications will be released in future months as funds become available. As soon as they are available, online applications will be posted at www.tennessee.gov/education/sp/afterschool .