Michigan City, IN  -  Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly visited Safe Harbor and Hours for Ours afterschool programs at Joy Elementary School in Michigan City. With Congressman Donnelly’s support, the Michigan City Area Schools received a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant of $550,000 to assist in the continued operation of these programs. 

Safe Harbor is a program for K-5 students that provides before and afterschool programming and is dedicated to promoting and encouraging all aspects of student development. 

Hours for Ours is a school-based mentoring program partnering Michigan City Area Schools students with adults in the Michigan City community. Business community members, retired community members, parents, grandparents and community members with an interest in children can serve as mentors. 

“Safe Harbor and Hours for Ours are important afterschool programs that not only keep our children safe when the school day is done, but also supplement important learning that takes place in the classroom,” Donnelly said. “I would like to congratulate Michigan City Area Schools for again securing a 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant.”

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is an after-school initiative authorized by the No Child Left Behind, Title IV, Part B. and administered by the Indiana Department of Education. Targeted at students in high-poverty areas or low-performing schools, the program is focused on enrichment programs in core subjects that occur before and after school. 

“As Congress begins the process of updating No Child Left Behind, I believe it’s important that we keep supporting afterschool programs like the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program,” Donnelly said. 

Donnelly wrote a letter in support of the Michigan City Area School’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant application.