Joint Partnership Between the Vernonia School District and Camp Cedar Ridge Brings in a $2,130,000 Grant
PRESS RELEASE
October 10, 2023
Jim Helmen | Vernonia School District Superintendent
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joint Partnership Between the Vernonia School District and Camp Cedar Ridge Brings in a $2,130,000 Grant to Vernonia to support after school and summer programming!
Vernonia, OR. – In a remarkable display of collaboration and dedication to the community’s youth, the Vernonia School District and Camp Cedar Ridge are thrilled to announce the allocation of $2,130,000 in funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Center Afterschool Program. The U.S. Department of Education funds will support the program for the next five years, ensuring its continued growth and impact.
At the heart of the Vernonia School District 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Afterschool Program lies a commitment to fostering a sense of connectedness and providing safe spaces for our children here in Vernonia. The program is purposefully designed to develop the whole child, catering to their academic, physical, and socio-emotional needs.
The Vernonia SD 21st CCLC after-school program will serve as an accessible, welcoming hub for students in grades K-12. Here, they can congregate for nutritious snacks, engage in physical activities, receive valuable life skills training, and find assistance with homework. Additionally, students can explore a wide range of enriching activities in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), entrepreneurship, drug-free education, and more.
One of the unique features of the program is that it relies on the expertise of local residents who are employed through Camp Cedar Ridge and Vernonia School District. We have many talented members of the community who will support and enrich the education of our youth. Students will participate in experiential learning journeys in reading, math, and science through collaborative efforts. Moreover, they will have the opportunity to engage in arts and music activities that are thoughtfully designed to enhance their educational experience, boost standardized performance, and foster social-emotional health and self-esteem.
The Vernonia SD 21st Century Community Learning Center Afterschool Program is set to kick off in December 2023, starting at Camp Cedar Ridge through a day camp program ( Monday – Friday) from December 21, 2023, through January 4, 2024. The after-school program will begin in early January 2024. More information to come on start and end times, transportation, etc.
This monumental achievement would not have been possible without the vision and dedication of key individuals in our district. We sincerely thank Dr. Kasey Wilson, Camp Cedar Ridge Director, and Marie Knight Vernonia, SD Business Manager, who supported the grant-writing process.
Stay tuned for more details and updates as we embark on this exciting journey to empower and inspire the youth of Vernonia School District.
More details will be released and posted on the School District website in early December 2023.
Jim Helmen
Vernonia School District Superintendent
