From staff reports
The United Way of Venango County will offer the use of learning hubs to any student in the county who needs assistance with school assignments, the agency said in a news release.
The United Way, in partnership with Youth Alternatives, is bringing the first two learning hubs to the Franklin and Oil City areas with extended hours on weekdays, but parents are advised to check with individual hubs for exact times. Staff will help facilitate the virtual curriculum from each child’s school district.
The tasks include: helping children get online each morning, keeping them motivated and engaged virtually, troubleshooting, ensuring they are completing assignments, facilitating connections with teachers during office hours and other instructional supports, and being attentive to social and emotional needs. In the afternoon, activities will be provided.
“The pressure to handle kids on a hybrid or virtual schedule and keeping them on track with their assignments is intimidating to many – especially if it is impeding the parents’ ability to return to work,” said Will Price, executive director of United Way of Venango County.
In addition, the United Way is seeking partners to provide locations for hubs in the Cranberry Area School District and the Valley Grove School District. Locations could include church community centers and pre-existing child care centers.
The United Way said it would like to open additional sites in rural communities after launching the initial four sites.
The community hubs are funded by the United Way and the county of Venango.
For more information, call the United Way at (814) 676-6545 or email willjprice@unitedwayofvenangocounty.org; or call Youth Alternatives at (814) 676-5785 or email corrina.woods@yavenangocounty.org.
