Philanthropy Ohio Awards $124K to Library, Schools for Student Support Initiative

CAMPBELL, Ohio – Philanthropy Ohio has awarded a $124,032 grant to Campbell City Schools, Struthers City Schools, Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County and State Support Team Region 5 to provide students with new learning opportunities. 

The project will provide professional development on literacy practices and social-emotional learning strategies to library staff, who will then work with students in Campbell and Struthers schools. Parents and families are also encouraged to attend training sessions.

“We always seek solutions to create a continuum of services for our children.” said Campbell Schools superintendent Matthew Bowen in a statement. “The fundamental literacy and social-emotional needs of children are at the forefront of planning during the pandemic.”

The goal of the program is to improve regional capacity for supporting student needs, both inside and outside the classroom.

“The Struthers City Schools are excited to be a part  of this collaborative effort with the Campbell City Schools, Public Library of Mahoning County and the [State Support Team Region 5],” said Struthers Schools superintendent Pete Pirone. “This grant will greatly benefit our students in literacy and social-emotional learning.” 

The grant award also furthers the ties between the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County and area schools districts. At the library branches in Struthers and Campbell, students can work with homework monitors both in-person and remotely to get help with schoolwork.

“he Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is thrilled to  contribute to this effort that will connect Campbell and Struthers students with the mentors and materials  that can best help them learn,” said Aimee Fifarek, executive director of the library. “PLYMC has been looking for new ways to support our school partners  during these challenging times.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.