News release

New Grants to Help More Nova Scotia Students After School

Education and Early Childhood Development

New Out-of-School-Time Learning Grants will help more Nova Scotia students succeed in math and literacy.

"As much as we are investing in education and providing more resources for students and teachers, there are students who need more support outside of the regular school day," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey. "This new initiative is designed to provide additional supports for students who could benefit from extra academic and enrichment programming but may not otherwise have the means or the opportunity."

The grants will help eligible community groups, schools and other organizations use innovative approaches to engage students. Activities are to focus on academic coaching or tutoring and build in other complementary experiences such as homework help, enrichment activities, recreation, arts, music, and mentoring. Applications from community-school partnerships that support family literacy will also qualify.

A total of $176,000 is being invested in this new initiative which supports the goals of Nova Scotia's Action Plan for Education. Eight grants of $22,000 each will be awarded. The goal is to award one grant within the boundaries of each of the province's eight school boards.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 7. More information and a link to the application can be found at www.ednet.ns.ca .