LYNN — The Lynn Public Schools and LEAP (Learn, Explore, Aspire, Pursue) for Education program are aiming to offer free spring and summer programs for students at Thurgood Marshall Middle School.
To fund those programs, the school district, in partnership with LEAP, will be applying for a five-year federal grant through the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) program, which is managed by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
“This program is called a 21st Century Community Learning Center because everything the program does is designed to build 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration, initiative, problem-solving and communication,” said LEAP Executive Director Linda Saris.
LEAP currently runs an after-school program, known as Dream MORE, at the Marshall Middle School for 40 English language learners. If the grant is approved, the school district and LEAP will be able to double the number of students who receive that programming and expand the program’s operating hours during the summer and school year.
Lynn Deputy Superintendent Debra Ruggiero said the district is “very excited” to be applying for the grant with LEAP, which has been operating the Dream MORE program at the middle school since July 2020. Sixth to eighth grade students are eligible for the services.
“This program will run right in the school and will add needed capacity for middle school students in need of after-school and summer experiences,” said Ruggiero. “The program will be designed so that it aligns with the school’s priorities and values.”
If LPS is awarded the grant, it would be the first one for middle school students in Lynn. The grant is highly competitive, but there is currently a 21CCLC program at another Lynn school, Washington S.T.E.M. Elementary, which is run by Camp Fire North Shore, a nonprofit located on the Lynn/Salem line.
“By starting post-secondary and career discussions in middle school, students begin to connect what they learn in school to possible career and educational pathways and begin to envision their future,” said Hilary Kopp, LEAP’s senior director for middle school programs. “Heading into high school, students make more intentional choices when selecting courses and extracurricular activities.”
The proposed middle school program at Thurgood Marshall would be run in partnership with LEAP, which currently operates a similar 21CCLC program in Salem for about 100 students per year. The program was designated as an exemplary site by DESE in 2019.
Superintendent Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said the proposed program will provide meaningful extensions of school day programming focused on academic support, goal development, and general future planning.
“Above all, I see the substance of LEAP programming as broadening meaningful connections for students with their school,” he said. “The grant seeks to deepen and expand this opportunity for students, the prospect of which is something we really look forward to.”
LPS and LEAP will be designing the Thurgood Marshall program to align with district priorities and its strategic plan, according to Saris.
“This program is designed to be an extension of the school day that reflects district priorities and school values,” Saris said.
Saris listed the program priorities as providing high-quality accessible instruction and interventions that respond to the diverse learning styles of all students, partnering with community agencies to connect students and families to community and educational supports, and expanding opportunities for students to explore a variety of pathways to post-secondary and/or career choices.
To help meet those priorities, Saris said LPS and LEAP have designed the program to offer scaffolds for English language learners and specialized programs for ELLs, and implement project-based learning so students can learn in the context of solving real problems and choose projects that match their strengths and interests.
She said the program will provide middle school students with activities and projects that advance career awareness, enable career exploration and build social connections.
“Thinking about, and believing in one’s future has to start in middle school,” said Saris. “All of our students will build an education and career plan before they head into high school, which will inform their choices for courses and work-based learning experiences.”
Saris said the program will also include work-based learning experiences, paid or volunteer, going forward.
LPS plans to submit the grant on April 16 and expects to hear back in early June. The summer program would begin after July 4 with plans to offer in-person services, Saris said.
Anyone interested in having input into the planning or getting on a stakeholder list to get information about upcoming summer and fall programs should contact Hilary Kopp at [email protected].