By. Alexis Hill, Intern
Manchester City Schools has been awarded a $500,000 Lottery for Education: Afterschool Programs (LEAPs) grant for fiscal year 2027, allowing the district to continue providing academic enrichment and afterschool opportunities for local students.
The Tennessee Department of Education approved the district’s FY27 LEAP application after it earned a technical merit score of 92 during a competitive peer review process. Applications receiving a final score of 66 or higher were eligible for funding.
The one-year grant award runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Funding may continue for up to three years, through June 30, 2030, depending on the availability of funds and the district’s continued progress toward program goals.
Manchester City Schools has received LEAP funding for the past 17 years. The district’s Afterschool Journey program serves students at College Street Elementary and Westwood Elementary each Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. on regular school days.
The program provides students with a healthy snack, physical activity, homework assistance, academic support, and additional instruction for those needing extra help with classroom skills and standards. Students also participate in enrichment activities that include STREAM education—Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, Agribusiness, Aerospace and Math—along with arts and crafts, drama and additional physical education activities. Family engagement remains a key component of the program.
The LEAP initiative was created to provide Tennessee students with academic enrichment opportunities that reinforce and complement classroom learning. The program is funded through Tennessee Lottery proceeds designated for education, including unclaimed lottery prize funds that are directed toward competitive grants for afterschool educational programs.
Manchester City Schools is also recognized as a “Best for All” district, and the LEAP program aligns with the Tennessee Department of Education’s strategic initiative by providing both academic and non-academic support to help students succeed.
Registration for the Afterschool Journey program begins Aug. 3 at each student’s school. The program will begin Thursday, Aug. 6.
Parents seeking additional information can contact the Manchester City Schools central office, their child’s school office, or Afterschool Journey Program Director Jimmy St. John at 931-728-3412, extension 2439.
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