Community Connectors Application Process Underway

 In his 2014 State of The State Address, Ohio Governor John R. Kasich announced his Community Connectors education initiative. A program designed to support Ohio schools by fostering increased student mentor-ship.

According to Kasich the ten million dollar grant program is, "A new way to bring together schools, communities, educators, and businesses in mentor programs." Organizations that apply, and are awarded grant money, will receive $3 for every $1 provided by local partnerships with a maximum award of five-hundred thousand dollars.

"What this grant proposes is that we have now a springboard for furthering our work by funding our work,"said Steven Foreman, District Director of Title 1 and Special Programs.

The application process is currently underway, and grant initiatives are to focus on five goals for students; getting them prepared for 21st century careers, building character, developing pathways to achievement, building resiliency, and encouraging a belief in a positive future.

"Well mentoring in general is very important, I mean, I think because it does put caring adults in the lives of young people that really need it," said Sr. Policy Analyst for the Ohio Department of Education, Buddy Harris.

The deadline for grant application submissions is Friday, February 20th, and grants are expected to be awarded in March 2015. For more information visit communityconnectors.ohio.gov.