Working together toward a common goal can produce tremendously positive results. District 2 City Councilwoman Dr. Carla Thornton got a firsthand look at the successful partnership behind the City’s award-winning Afterschool Expanded Learning Program recently when she visited three elementary schools in her district.
Her tour included Hidden Springs, Sugar Hill and Cloverdale elementary schools, where she met students and had the opportunity to observe the staff from afterschool program provider Think Together leading and mentoring the children in a safe and supportive environment.
The City’s program serves more than 4,000 students at 43 elementary and middle schools in the Moreno Valley and Val Verde unified school districts. The program was recently chosen for a California Park & Recreation Society Award of Excellence.
“The most risky time of day for children and teens is between 3 and 6 p.m., the time from when school lets out to when mom or dad gets home from work,” Thornton explained. “Parents really appreciate knowing their children are safe and having fun learning during that time in our program.”
Funding for the Afterschool Expanded Learning Program comes from an After School Education & Safety (ASES) Grant, administered by the California Department of Education. The City of Moreno Valley serves as the fiscal agent for the grant, which this year totals just over $6.1 million, with the two school districts acting as co-applicants. Since 2011, the four-way partnership has served tens of thousands of MoVal students, providing a safe and engaging afterschool experience.
"Providing effective support services for our city’s youth is a top priority for the City Council and me,” said Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez, Mayor of Moreno Valley. "And the Afterschool Expanded Learning Program is one of our most popular and effective.”
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