Pasadena ISD receives grant of $1.5 million to provide academic enrichment

Pasadena ISD receives grant of $1.5 million to provide academic enrichment
Posted on 11/13/2019
Pasadena ISD receives grant of $1.5 million to provide academic enrichment

By Kadey Heidrich
PISD Communications

Pasadena ISD received a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant totaling $1.5 million to provide academic enrichment opportunities to students who attend high-need, high-poverty schools in the district.

The grant, now in its second year, allows PISD to continue funding before and after-school ACE programs, maintaining efforts to provide academic support, enrichment opportunities and college and career readiness for students and their families. The extended learning opportunities will offer children additional help in meeting state academic standards in core subjects.

ACE programs are available at 10 PISD campuses and are customized to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

“Our goal is to make learning fun so we embed academics into most of our activities. For example, students will play math games while learning about sports,” said Christina Torres, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Cycle 10 Project Director. “While participating in enrichment activities through ACE programs, students can engage in sports, dance, music, social emotional learning and culinary arts.”

Additionally, the funding allocated by the grant provides parenting and enrichment activities for students and families. The activities allow for families to have quality time with their children by participating in fun events such as Painting with a Book Night, Vision Board Night and Family Fitness Night. Campuses can also offer joint events for all families participating in ACE programs such as the Houston Food Bank Volunteer Day, Health Fairs and School Markets.