News Release
Governor Martz and Partners set to Implement Extra Learning Opportunities
7/30/2003
Kris Goss
406-444-3862
kgoss@state.mt.us
(HELENA) - Governor Judy Martz announced that Montana is one of thirteen states set to receive a$10,000 grant from the National Governors Association in support of statewide summits designed to improve student achievement through out-of-school time programs such as tutoring, mentoring, organized sports, dance, art activities, and community service.
"I am very pleased to have this chance to elevate the issue of extra learning opportunities," said Governor Martz. "These programs are critical to the development of Montana's children. This grant and the subsequent summit will ensure that Montana lays a sound foundation for the implementation of extra learning opportunities."
Montana's successful application included a partnership with the Montana Child Care Resource and Referral Network, the Office of Public Instruction and the Governor's Office. A national review panel chose states based on submissions that demonstrated each governor's commitment to ELOs and summit objectives. Summits will emphasize state and local collaboration opportunities that strengthen links between ELOs, improved student academic performance, and positive youth development.
"This grant is going to provide resources needed to spread the message about the importance of quality out-of-school time programs," said Janet Bush, the executive director of the Montana Child Care Resource and Referral Network. "Parents, education leaders, and policy makers will have the opportunity to design a coordinated plan for supporting much needed before and after school initiatives in Montana communities."
ELOs provide school-age children ages 5 to 18 with recreational, academic, and development opportunities supplementing the education provided in a typical school day. ELOs may occur before school, after school, or during the school day, as well as on weekends, over holidays, or during the summer.
The grants are made possible by NGA Center for Best Practices with support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and The Wallace Fund to conduct state summits on extra learning opportunities or ELOs. Montana's summit is tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2004.
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