From press reports

Ackerman Elementary School in Choctaw County and Louisville Elementary

School in Winston County were awarded their first 21st Century Learning

Center Grant, Outfitters for Life, made possible through the federal No

Child Left Behind Act.

The three- year federal grant will provide $ 374,984.00 per year to be

shared by the two schools for much needed after school programs at each

location. Outfitters for Life Centers will be developed as after school

programs that offer reinforcement of classroom lessons using a creative approach to learning that will encourage and maintain student participation.

The theme is used to draw the students' interest by appealing to their love of the outdoors and adventure. Activities will be developed around three categories: Academics, Arts and Environmental Exploration, and Life Skills. Educational development opportunities for parents of participating students will also be provided.

Dr. Arlene Amos, Choctaw County Schools Superintendent, credits the grant to teamwork. "Such an outstanding opportunity would not have been made available without the combined efforts of the administrative teams from both the Choctaw and Winston County School Systems, the Center for Educational and Training Technology at Mississippi State

University, the Choctaw County Extension Office, and the Winston County Extension Office."

All partners have a proven working relationship and a shared vision for the children of this area. Working together, these partners will pool their resources to provide the targeted students in the two school districts a rich mix of academic and experiential learning that will help OUTFIT the students for success in school and in later life.

More information will be made available to parents about these after school programs from each individual school.