The Waukegan Public Schools have been awarded nearly $600,000 in federal funds for after-school programs that will give the district’s elementary and middle school children safe places to learn and play.
The school district is one of 386 in 46 states that will share part of $213 million in grants. It will receive about $199,800 each year for three years.
Waukegan’s 15 elementary schools and five middle schools are creating partnerships with the Waukegan Public Library, local branches of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Waukegan Park District to create activities for children, said Elroy Reed, schools spokesman. The primary focus of the programs will be on tutoring and mentoring for children and helping them with their homework, Reed said.
Reed said the money is being directed at helping younger children because there are very few after-school programs for them. The district’s three high schools already have fine arts, sports and junior ROTC programs that take place after school, he said.
A news release issued by the Waukegan Public Schools said FBI and youth-advocacy groups found that peak hours for juvenile crime and victimization are from 2 to 8 p.m., when many youngsters are unsupervised.
The programs, many of which will last until 6 p.m., will be offered beginning in August, Reed said.
