North Montgomery’s Early Learning Academy can accept more preschool students this year thanks to a donation from the Montgomery County Community Foundation.
The funds, totaling $11,340, were presented to North Director of Curriculum Anthony Tharp during a ceremony held Sept. 30 at Pike Place in Crawfordsville.
Four-year old students enrolled in the Early Learning Academy, specifically those with risk factors detrimental to academic and social-emotional success, will benefit by way of a full or partial scholarships. Each elementary school within the North district offers the program for children age 3 and 4.
“Early learning is such an important factor in the growth and development of our young scholars, and we are blessed that MCCF has the same belief,” Tharp said. “The scholarships provided the opportunity for some of our families to send their students to preschool who would have not had the chance due to limited financial responsibility.”
During the ceremony, MCCF personnel announced the community organization will have awarded more than $1 million in grants in Montgomery County by the end of the year. The foundation has awarded nearly $115,000 in 2020 to support early learning, Executive Director Kelly Taylor said.
“In the last three years, we have awarded nearly $300,000 in the area of early learning and childcare,” she said. “The MCCF board has identified early learning as a key strategic initiative to help to ensure children are ready for school and ready for life.”
North Montgomery competed in a grant process to support families in need, Tharp said.
“MCCF goes above and beyond for the community they serve,” he added. “It is such an honor to have strong community partners like MCCF who put students and our community first in everything they do.”
More students will be able to attend New Hope Christian Preschool as well. The center at New Hope Christian Church received nearly $7,000 for classroom equipment and supplies to allow space for 10 additional seats.
To learn more about the Early Learning Academy, visit www.nm.k12.in.us. For more information about New Hope Christian Church, visit www.newhopefortoday.org. More on MCCF can be found at www.mccf-in.org.
