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The Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund (PGCSIF) is pleased to announce the launch of its pilot ‘2 to 6 Initiative’. The ‘2 to 6 Initiative’ seeks to support improved educational outcomes of students in grades K through 6 by creating a more direct qualitative link between public school standards and out-of-school time (2 PM to 6 PM). Through this initiative, PGCSIF expects to empower after school providers by equipping them with teaching tools that reinforce Common Core standards and positive character development. A corollary goal is to create a community of practice amongst after school enrichment providers who are committed to supporting improved student performance and work readiness.
Considering public schools - K through 6 - typically close at 2 PM, providing students with quality after school programs that not only provide essential care but also round out the learning they receive during the regular school day is critical. “Parents depend on after school programs to provide transportation from school to a convenient and safe location, to provide a healthy snack, help with homework, and offer enrichment activities so that they can work and provide for their families”, says Shakir McDonald of the BEE Academy.
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The after school infrastructure in Prince George’s County is expansive, but mostly disconnected from public school curricula and outcomes. There are approximately 60,000 children in K through 6 in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) and an estimated 60% of them participate in organized after school care or enrichment programs almost every day. This dynamic is unique to Prince George’s County because of the daily outward commute of most parents for employment purposes. “Given the need and desire to improve the performance of our students and our schools, the opportunity to strengthen this after school infrastructure and establish a more qualitative link between public school standards and after school programming is a common sense approach to supporting our pursuit of educational excellence”, notes Tonia Wellons – Founder of the Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund.
The pilot ‘2 to 6 Initiative’ initiative is launched in partnership with The BEE Academy in Landover, SHABACH Christian Academy in Landover, Ideal Childcare Center in District Heights, the Cultural Academy for Excellence in Mount Rainier, and Redeem Christian Academy in Temple Hills. The initiative is supported with partial funding from Prince George’s County Government and the World Bank Group Community Connections Fund. The Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce has also been a supportive partner in the effort.
With high hopes on the potential of the pilot initiative, PGCSIF is looking to scale this initiative countywide in partnership with providers, PGCPS, private sector and philanthropy. Learn more about this initiative at www.innovateprincegeorges.org/education |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Former Music Director of Petersburg's Covenant Presbyterian Church, native Patrick D. McCoy was recently installed as Minister of Music of Trinity Episcopal Church in the Nation's Capital.
Oct. 16, 2013 - WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After serving a 7-month post as Acting Music Director at Washington's Trinity Episcopal Church, Petersburg native and VSU alumnus Patrick D. McCoy was installed as the church's Minister of Music in a formal service on Sunday, September 15, 2013. In the presence of the congregation and a host of family and friends, McCoy also entered into covenant with the members of the Trinity Chancel Choir, who were commissioned for music minstry. The service was led by The Rev'd Canon John T. W. Harmon, the church's pastor and rector. Canon Harmon is formerly the rector of Saint Stephen's church in Petersburg, relocating to Washington in 2000. (source via the examiner.com) |
| | | PGCSIF’s mission is to build social capital and invest in new ways of solving old challenges in Prince George’s County. |
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