Article Last Updated: Tuesday, Aug 23, 2005 - 11:44:56 pm PDT
Teacher Regina Williams helps Arenisha Thomas, right, and Dejanae Odham with their homework at an after school program. (Photo By Judith Sagami/Daily Republic)
Local after school programs get state grant
By Ian Thompson
FAIRFIELD - Fairfield's Life Before/After School and The Place 2 B After 3 school programs are earmarked to get a $595,200 grant from the Department of Education, Rep. Ellen Tauscher, D-Alamo, announced Tuesday.
The programs "have made a tremendous contribution in the lives of Solano County kids," Tauscher said in a press release
"I am always pleased to support important projects like these that keep our kids safe, off the streets and learning," she added.
The money will pay for creating the Kids Corner programs at six additional elementary schools, expansion of The Place 2 B After 3 to a new middle school site and expanded hours at the four current schools, and development of recreation programs through the Fun On The Run mobile recreational program.
More than 300 elementary school and more than 400 middle school students are enrolled in the city-run programs which have been run for more than 20 years.
Tauscher wrote a letter supporting the program asking other members of Congress to consider it one of her highest priorities, saying Fairfield residents benefit from reducing the number of unsupervised youth.
"This proposal has the support of Fairfield's chief of police as a means to reduce juvenile crime and delinquency," Tauscher wrote in the letter.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
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