Great Explorations Awarded Grant to Continue Afterschool and Summer Programs

Posted October 11, 2023

[Baraga County] – BHK Child Development was recently awarded the Nita M. Lowey 21^st Century Community Learning Centers (21^st CCLC) grant by the Michigan Department of Education. The highly competitive award totaling $1.5 Million is to be over a five-year grant period contingent on successful implementation and continued federal funding.

The 21^st CCLC funding supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during out-of-school time hours to help students meet state and local academic standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating students. 

With this award BHK will continue to offer afterschool and summer Great Explorations (GE) programs at both Baraga and L’Anse elementary schools.

Susan Tollefson, L’Anse Areas Schools’ Superintendent stated “The GE program has been a wonderful resource for our families for several years. Currently, our community is experiencing a shortage in childcare options, so the need is greater than ever. GE provides students with a structured environment right at the school during the afterschool hours and offers academic support as well as enrichment activities that the kids really enjoy.”

GE clubs are based on students’ interests, abilities, and needs. Family well-being is supported through health/wellness activities, healthy meals, and family engagement opportunities. Community collaboration and connection to local culture are highlights of GE.

“Our goal is to provide high quality, hands-on academic and enrichment opportunities for K-5 students”, says Melissa Parker, Youth Services Director at BHK. “GE’s activities enrich learning and skill development in STEM, literacy, technology, art, and character building.”

GE at Philip LaTendresse Elementary School in Baraga started on October 2. Contact Barb Ellenich at (906) 353-6111 for details on the program at Baraga. BHK is actively recruiting for a Site Coordinator for the program at C.J. Sullivan Elementary School in L’Anse as well as additional support staff at both locations. Individuals interested in joining the GE team should visit BHK’s website at www.bhkfirst.org for an employment application.