For Immediate Release: Monday, October 26, 2020
Funding, initiated by Education and Culture Committee Chair Craig Rice, would provide $1.8 million to address disparities in virtual learning for students
ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 26, 2020—On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Council will introduce a $1.8 million special appropriation to the Children’s Opportunity Fund Non-Departmental Account to expand the number of Educational Equity and Enrichment (EEE) Hub sites to serve an additional 500 children throughout the County over a 12-week period.
“As we look at how existing disparities have been exacerbated by the pandemic, it is incumbent on us to step up with resources to continue an initiative that has proven successful in meeting the needs of our most vulnerable students,” said Councilmember Rice.
The Children’s Opportunity Fund leverages public funds to attract private investment and makes strategic investments to improve the lives of low-income children and families in Montgomery County. They have partnered with the Black and Brown Coalition and child care providers who are licensed by the state of Maryland to deliver supportive and engaged distance learning opportunities in public school space through the implementation of the EEE Hubs. Currently, there are EEE Hubs in nine County elementary schools that provide care and supervision for school age children during the school day while MCPS is meeting virtually. School-based child care providers and MCPS staff collaborate to identify and target students that need this support.
The special appropriation reflects the County’s commitment to racial equity and social justice. The goal of the EEE hubs is to provide supervision and virtual learning supports to mitigate the negative impact that distance learning challenges have on vulnerable, low-income students of color. Many students in our low-income communities have faced greater challenges in accessing online learning, remaining consistently engaged with teachers, and having the resources needed to complete their schoolwork. The race/ethnicity make-up of hub participants is 10 percent white, 48 percent Latino, 33 percent African American and nine percent multiracial. Through intentional outreach efforts and in partnership with community resources, the EEE hubs can successfully enroll students who would otherwise face barriers to online learning.
The Council staff report for this special appropriation can be viewed here.
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Release ID: 20-420