The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) announced the recipients of re-engagement mini grants.

Through an external review process, eight district grant applications were selected to receive a one-time $50,000 award. This mini grant was designed to encourage specific, targeted supports and interventions for students who have a prior dropout status, are at risk of dropping out or have been unreachable since the COVID-19 shelter at home orders.

The primary aim of the grant is increasing the numbers of students who become re-engaged in the educational process toward graduation. As Kentucky districts and schools continue navigating the current difficult times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever it is critical to mitigate barriers to graduation for youth who are faced with a complex set of challenges.

Re-engagement grant recipients include:

  • Campbell County
  • Corbin Independent
  • Fulton Independent
  • Greenup County
  • Hardin County
  • Jefferson County
  • Metcalf County
  • Nelson County

Various strategies are being implemented by districts to meet the needs of these youth. Some of the re-engagement strategies include:

  • Connecting students with community mentors who assist teachers in facilitating asset exploration and student engagement projects and forge connections with students to explore future career pathways.
  • Providing on-site individual and group mental health counseling for targeted youth.
  • Offering at-home academic and behavior support through individual tutoring sessions and supply kits to supplement home learning.
  • Removing barriers to the educational process with flexible scheduling, transportation support, childcare services and work-based learning opportunities.
  • Integrating evidenced-based, social-emotional learning curricula in schools.
  • Developing a Positive Support Connection Team to provide comprehensive activities and strengths-based services to help students develop a healthy approach to handling the demands of multiple risk factors.

For more information, email Judi Vanderhaar or Michelle Nichols.