The Fort Dodge Community School District is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the Learning Beyond the Bell grant in the amount of $88,735.89. This grant will be used to enhance the district's summer program from June through August 16th, 2024. The funds from the Learning Beyond the Bell grant will be utilized for the following purposes:
Funding teacher and staff wages for the summer program
Providing fresh fruit through November 2024
Procurement of grade-level math and reading kits
Acquisition of Osmo math and reading activities for iPads
Organizing a field trip to Blank Park Zoo during the summer and to the Community Orchard in the fall
Weekly trips to the library
Collaboration with the Science Center of Iowa for outreach visits
Arranging two trips to local businesses for tours and small treats
Adding 25 additional iPads and headphones
Purchasing 30 digital cameras for students to document their summer experiences
This grant is a significant achievement for the Fort Dodge Community School District, as funding for out-of-school time programs typically comes from the federal level rather than the state. The Learning Beyond the Bell grant will complement the existing 21st Century Community Learning Center federal grant, enabling the district to offer its 11-week summer program at no cost to families.
The State of Iowa initially allocated $3.5 million for these competitive grants, yet received close to $6 million in requests, underscoring the substantial need that school districts have for quality programming. "We are thrilled to have been awarded the Learning Beyond the Bell grant, as it will allow us to expand and enrich our summer program in ways that wouldn't have been possible otherwise," stated Josh Porter, Fort Dodge Community School District Superintendent. "We are committed to providing exceptional educational experiences for our students, and this grant will play a crucial role in achieving that goal."