ULLMAN, Wash. — The lights will be on later in five school districts in Lincoln County thanks to a three-year $1.8 million Department of Education 21st Century Learning Center grant received by a Washington State University Cooperative Extension 4-H faculty member in Davenport.
Doreen Hauser-Lindstrom, 4-H faculty, and Susan Palmer, youth program manager in the Lincoln County extension office, received the grant to conduct after-school programs in Davenport, Reardon, Creston, Wilbur and Odessa.
“We collaborated with the superintendents from the five rural school districts and service groups that work with youth to write the grant,” said Hauser-Lindstrom. “We are really excited about the opportunity to provide positive supervised programs for youth and about drawing adults from the communities to the schools.”
The after-school programs will encompass a variety of educational, recreational and cultural activities, including after-school 4-H club programs on science, arts and cultural awareness; summer 4-H learning camps that focus on raising academic standards; expanded hours for the school libraries after school and during the summer; computer-based reading and math programs; and “best practice” parenting education programs that include all members of the family.
“There are about 1,800 students in the five school districts,” Hauser-Lindstrom said. “I hope we will be able to reach half or more plus community members. If what has happened in Adams County is any indication, we will see an influx of people using the facilities, including senior citizens and youth who enjoy the opportunity to use the school library and to work on computer textile projects.”
She has been involved in a similar project with three schools in Adams County for two years.
“Doreen is to be commended for the strong community partnerships she has established,” said Pat Boyes, state program leader for 4-H Youth Development.
“The partnership between Washington State University Youth Development and the school districts as represented by these 21st Century Grants is yet another example of the relevance of 4-H to young people, their families and the communities in which they live all around the state.”
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(Reporters: You can contact Doreen Hauser-Lindstrom at (509) 725-4171 for more information.)