Two Covington County schools have been awarded 21st Century Learning grants totaling $500,000 to help fund after-school programs.

Superintendent Terry Holley said Straughn Elementary School and Pleasant Home School were granted $125,000 each for the next two years to fund after-school programs.

“This, of course, is fantastic news,” Holley said, speaking of the U.S. Department of Education funding. “This program is a tremendous asset to each school and to our students.”

The 21st Century Learning Grant program is designed to advance student achievement through enrichment programs, education activities and tutoring services.

Holley said this is Straughn’s second grant award of this type and Pleasant Home’s first.

“And the great thing is that each school has a third-year renewal option if funds are available,” he said.

During the after-school program, students get a snack, recreation time, computer time, one-on-one assistance with homework and arts and crafts.

Parents must pay a small fee for the services, Holley said.

“W.S. Harlan has taken over the remainder of Florala City Middle School’s grant, and there they charge $10 a week per student (for the after-school program,” he said.

“The fees that have been raised up to this point are sustainability money. WSH will reapply for the grant next year.” Fleeta Jr. High School was awarded a five-year 21st Century Learning Grant in 2008.