Gettysburg College has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The grant will support the establishment of a new community learning center on the college’s campus, aimed at providing high-quality, bilingual educational programs for underserved students and families in Adams County, Pennsylvania.
Scheduled to commence operations in September, the center will focus on delivering a comprehensive range of services, including academic support, artistic and cultural enrichment, and counseling services. The initiative is spearheaded by Brenda Reyes-Lúa, associate director of the College’s Center for Public Service (CPS).
In collaboration with local entities such as Vida Charter School and the College’s Spanish Department and Innovation and Creativity Lab, the center aims to support local students from Kindergarten through 6th grade and their families in meeting state standards for core academic subjects like reading and mathematics.
Jeff Rioux, CPS Director at Gettysburg College, emphasized the college’s dedication to community service and its role in fostering civic engagement and critical thinking among students. The center is expected to serve nearly 90 students from local elementary schools, providing them with programs that include bilingual academic tutoring, cultural activities, and physical education.
Moreover, the center will operate out of two locations: Vida Charter School and Gettysburg College’s El Centro program, which specifically serves Spanish-speaking families.
Key community partners in this initiative include the Adams County Arts Council, Gettysburg Community Theatre, YWCA of Gettysburg and Adams County, and Phoenix Counseling.
The Center for Public Service is also actively recruiting a program director for this new initiative, inviting interested candidates to apply and contribute to this community-focused project.
