CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga County is helping to ensure that the Cleveland Metropolitan School District is fully prepared to keep students and staff safe.
The county is donating $500,000 from the Coronavirus Air, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) that will be used to fund the Academic Learning Pods program, which was created by a joint effort between the United Way of Greater Cleveland and the Cleveland Foundation.
“We are thrilled to be partners on a program as impactful as Academic Learning Pods,” said President & CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland Augie Napoli. “What makes this program so important during the pandemic is that it provides children in the CMSD school system with a safe, supervised environment to supplement their virtual learning. Providing internet access and in-person enrichment, without the financial burden of hiring a tutor, allows parents to return to work with confidence that their child can continue to learn in a safe environment. We believe in this program’s continued potential and hope that it provides a model for other communities.”
The program provides K-8 students with vital resources including meals, educational activities to further the learning experience, and more.
County Executive Armond Budish worked with Cuyahoga County Council President Dan Brady to approve the funds for CMSD.
“Seamlessly continuing remote education for our young students during the pandemic is extremely important,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “Since we know that CMSD schools are not planning to go back to in-person sessions before the beginning of the new year, it is crucial that these services continue through this time. I am grateful for United Way and the Cleveland Foundation’s work on this innovative program and for all of the local hosts of these Academic Learning Pods who are doing all they can to prevent learning loss for our at-risk students.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit students and families across the county hard, with many children losing access to regular meals and an education.
The 24 current Academic Learning Pods in the County have benefitted 25 neighborhoods and more than 80 CMSD schools.
Click here to learn more about the Academic Learning Pods program.
