The grants, to be spread over three years, will help the schools provide a range of programs for students and their families, such as health care and after-school recreation. The schools were required to develop partnerships with outside non-profit institutions in order to be eligible for grants.
Schools are where the kids and their families are.
The three winners were among 65 schools nominated by educators for having already forged strong ties to community-based organizations. Twenty-two of the 65 responded to Polk's invitation to apply for the funds. By the end of the three years, the partnerships are expected to institutionalize the program so that it can continue without grant money. The foundation will evaluate the schools' experience before deciding whether to invite other schools to apply, says Kerbow.