Beyond the Bell 21st CCLC

In September 2023. representatives from a variety of agencies, businesses, schools. non-profits, and federal and local governmental agencies united as "Sumter SOUL' and agreed to seek funding to address the literacy needs in Sumter County. The group successfully secured seed funding for literacy but sought additional funding for a broader impact In October 2024, Sumter County Schools Superintendent Knighton filed an intent to apply for Nita M Lowey 21st Century Community teaming Centers FY 28 Cohort. District leaders communicated the intent to apply throughout the community including Family Connection Partnership meetings and Sumter County Board of Education meetings which are available for viewing virtually. An RFP was submitted on January 28, 2025 and will be available to the public and our community at the Sumter County Board of Education and on its website.

Sumter County is a small rural county struggling to provide its children a quality education and enriched cultural experiences. School administrators want to provide students opportunities to participate in expanded cultural, educational, and social experiences through an afterschool and summer program. The program, Beyond the Bell, will focus on 160 seventh - twelfth grade students who are identified as needing additional academic, youth development and engagement and family engagement opportunities to improve outcomes. Of the 180 target students, 10 will be special education students. Sumter County students need an opportunity to participate in enrichment programs, including educational field trips that will broaden their experiences and increase opportunities for growth. Negative community factors including high poverty impact students and provide challenges for the school. Sumter County Schools' children need academic, social and cultural enrichment that an afterschool and summer program can help address. The 7th-12th grades program will operate 4 days a week (Monday - Thursday) for a little more than 3 hours per day (min 12 hours a week) for 28 weeks. The summer program will operate 5 days a week (Monday - Friday) for more than 20 hours per week during the month of June with one day per week designated for field trips. The middle school will offer Saturday School for supplemental Georgia Milestones Test preparation and enrichment. All Beyond the Bell programs will focus on academic enrichment and remediation in literacy, math, science and social studies, test preparation for the GA Milestones assessments, and student enrichment using project-based learning activities relating to career interests and pathway development The Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC grant will provide cultural, social, and physical experiences for students that will be broadened through educational field Ines to colleges and universities, potential career sites, and cultural and civic landmarks Sumter County Schools is committed to collaborating with local, state and federal entities to improve educational, social, emotional, physical and mental outcomes for the students and families in Sumter County.