INVERNESS, Fla.- This fall the Citrus school district will be able to offer its students a wider selection of after-school programs. The district is receiving a five-year grant of about $1.6 million, which would allow schools to use money for programs, including tutoring services, arts and music education and other recreational activities.
Previously, the district only offered a few after-school programs, most of which were focused on getting help for students with poor grades and test scores. The 21st Century Community Learning Center grant will expand the offerings to all students.
According to administrators, the district has three goals: to increase student achievement, improve parental involvement and promote physical activity. The grant is also set to help students who wish to explore career interests and receive a more challenging education.
The district will also offer transportation to and from after-school programs for the first time.
School officials say offering these programs will help keep students out of trouble. Statistics show that most juvenile crime takes place between the hours of 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and that children are at much greater risk of being crime victims during after-school hours.
