Metcalfe County Schools district awarded $790K in grants for school programs

EDMONTON, Ky. – The Metcalfe County Schools district has been awarded two grants totaling $790,000 to fund after-school programs at Metcalfe County Elementary School.

According to a release by the district, the Kentucky Department of Education awarded MCES a $490,000 continuation grant to support its 21st Century Community Learning Centers program for up to five years. The district offers 21st Century at all of its campuses. MCES has operated the 21st Century program since 2019, the high school since 2018, and the middle school since 2010. The 21st Century program provides academic, artistic, and cultural enrichment opportunities to help students meet state academic standards while addressing the needs of the whole child. Community support and family involvement is a crucial component.

“We are grateful to live in a community that is committed to the success of our schools and always ready to lend a helping hand whenever we need them,” superintendent Josh Hurt said. “These grant awards will help strengthen our partnerships and create new opportunities for our students and their families.”

KDE also awarded MCES a $300,000 Preschool Quality Partnership grant. MCES Preschool will work alongside Metcalfe County Head Start to increase the availability of high-quality early childhood services throughout the community. Additionally, the grant will support the MCES Hornet Hive, a separate after-school program designed specifically for 3- and 4-year-old preschool students.

“By obtaining these much-needed funds, we will be able to continue a wildly popular and useful program. The Hornet Hive allows us to provide a high-quality after-school learning experience in a warm, safe environment, which is a win for all of us,” Hurt said.