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Nearly
40 students show up for help with their academics,
grades ranging from kindergarten to
seventh grade, as the Empowering
After School Program kicks off Oct. 2.
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Empowering After
School Program starts with a bang
GREENVILLE – On Monday, Oct. 2, the Empowering Darke County Youth After
School Program kicked off with a bang, with students from kindergarten
through the seventh grade seeking help with their academics.
This is the second year of the program. Within the first two days of
sign-ups, nearly 50 caregivers requested help for their children; the
maximum that could be reasonably supported. A waiting list has been
growing since then.
“The most students we ever had at one time last year was 28 students,”
Program Coordinator Bob Robinson said. “On our first day this year we
had 39 students. We have strong support from Edison student volunteers
to meet the needs of the program, but we also need experienced,
licensed or caring adults to help out. We still have many students
waiting to get help; we just need the volunteers to work with them.”
The program has been moved to the new Greenville Elementary and Middle
School on North Ohio Street. However, Edison State Community College is
still actively involved through its student volunteers, board input and
strong support services. Edison, along with Greenville Public Library,
will also continue to host our summer reading and tutoring activities.
Eric Fee, president of Empowering Darke County Youth, expressed his
appreciation to both Edison and Greenville Public Schools. “Without
Edison hosting the program, and Greenville providing the
transportation, it never would have gotten off the ground,” he said.
“Add to that, the Edison students who worked with these children last
year, and continue to work with them this year. We are all grateful.”
“This is a community effort,” Robinson said. “We have many partners who
are helping us and we are grateful; however as our program grows, so do
our needs. They include financial support to bring in more licensed and
experienced tutors to oversee our volunteers and work with these
children. Providing snacks – especially healthy ones – for 35 to 40
students every day is expensive.
“We also need adult volunteers to maintain consistency in the program
while Edison students transition between semesters,” Robinson
continued. “If you would like to help – volunteer, snacks and supplies,
donations – please leave a message at Edison Darke County Campus,
937-548-5546, or send a message on Facebook Empowering Darke County
Youth.”
The Empowering Mission: Empowering Darke County Youth provides After
School and Summer Tutoring programs to assist students in the areas of
language arts and math with the goal of Strong Students for a Strong
Community.
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